BP, maybe you have had some bad experiences, but a boss I worked for once said 'mate, 98% of people want to do a decent job and earn their money. See that bloke (just arriving at 1000 in the morning) - he's probably been sitting at his kitchen table till 1100 last night, punching his computer to give me what I asked for. There's no way I am going to have a go at him because he's late.'
Personal pride precludes most staff from taking advantage. Whether they be pilots, cabin crew, tech crew or air traffic controllers, the 98% rule applies.