I definitely read it in more of a bit of a proud tone; "even if they tried to mess with my lunch break, union's got me covered" or so. That's probably where we diverged.
As for their first quote, well, I just figured that even if you're in a union job, it's still possible to not enjoy the job -- I'm not about to find fault in someone coveting the small moments of fun they get in their workday. (As an aside, even if a company is legally required to recognize a union, I figure "be respected" isn't really more likely post-unionization than it is beforehand, at least at most companies.)
I'll have to rescind my nomination for dumbest. Unfortunately there is no substitute award, because now that I have a better understanding I think you will have much, much further to go to earn "most pretentious" :P
Your comment read to me as a sarcastic tone making fun of Ukraine for celebrating recapturing the territory.
And it goes without saying that the opposing force of the conflict would not need to be informed of the happenings... So, there you have at least a small fraction of the reasoning