I learned that at a very young age. I also learned that in todays society, those who are late for work on a regular basis live the closest to the place of their employment. The ones who are always on time live the most distance.
Your observation about whom is late is on the money for most places I have worked too.
While I did not like the gestapo tactics of my first real boss, I look back at that time fondly because it reinforced in me a sense of responsibility and duty sadly missing today. I recall during my interview my only asking what the job entailed. Later, in other places, when I began doing applicant interviews, usually the only questions asked were what were the benefits, pay, etc. I have few recollections of any questions in the area of what was expected...and those were the people who usually got the jobs.