Waste of money?

I pay a monthly fee for a union membership for work. I recently had an issue at work for which I should have had an investigation meeting.

I contacted a union rep that i’ve used before. I was told they could go in with me. And what happens when the meeting starts? No sign of them. This is now the second time this particular person hasn’t shown up (not for the same issue though).

I’m now seriously wondering what is the point of paying into the union. Fortunately, my employer (no names. for perhaps obvious reasons), has rescheduled the meeting, and i’ve contacted another rep who said they can go in with me once I confirm when the meeting is.