Oh I agree PP, you're right, technically it is theft which is why I don't condone it, like I said I don't get paid for any sick time, If I don't show up then I am am not earning....perfect incentive not to do it if you ask me!
I think these days a lot of companies are getting wise to it and building in limited numbers of sick days, I known the guys at Delta only get 3 sick days a year after that it's SSP which amounts to a fat lot of nothing.
The fact of the matter is, it goes on and a lot of companies make it all too easy, it doesnt make it right, but as long a it is as easy as some people seem to find it then it will continue to go on.