I'm sorry, but If we are going to expect to be treated as professionals then we need to act like professionals. As a professional, you are expected to act with integrity. If you are sick, call in. If you are not, don't. If you are fatigued, call in. If you are not, don't. If you are medically qualified for LOA, take it. If you aren't, don't. If you are being treated unfairly, then do something about it in line with the professionalism expected of this industry. You can quit, you can organize a strike, you can volunteer with your union, or you can become a part of management, all of which will allow you the opportunity to make a change and maintain your professionalism. If you lie to get where you want to go, you will find that the end does not necessarily justify the means, and you will become that which you despise.

The pay should be better and the QOL should be better but we got into this industry knowing how it was and chose to stay. Quit or work to make a difference, but don't lie, cheat or steal to get there. You won't be an airline pilot forever, but you will have to live with yourself.