Public sector workers- how do you respond.......

[GeorgieTK]

......when people tell you that you should do x, y, z etc because they pay your wages (i.e. from the public purse)? Or that certain things are a waste of public money and so shouldn't happen- for example away days / team building?
Do many people come across this attitude or is it the minority?

I reply with 'I also pay my wages' and leave it there.

I say it’s time for a pay rise then, thanks.

Basically - never be apologetic or defensive.

I just used to say 'I'm a tax-payer, too.'

👆

I wouldn't respond to that at all. And if it was over the phone, it would get mysteriously cut off.

I might have to adopt this one 😀

I just reply as above saying something along the lines of “I pay taxes too” sometimes followed up with “and I’m glad to see them being put to good use” but only if I’m up for a debate if they disagree.
It’s still the minority but I see it way more now than perhaps 10-15 years ago. Mostly, people are still grateful.

Not me but when we were living overseas we came back to visit family and stepson told DH - you don’t pay my wages, get out of my country. He’s a police officer.

Also, I have never told anyone I pay their wages.

Why would anybody respond to that nonsense?

In my area of work it's very likely that they don't pay my wages but in fact I pay their benefits. I'd never say that of course, just smile and ignore.

If its a person with children (as I dont have any) and I didnt care, id just say well um paying for your kids.

Otherwise I just give silent look and sy nothing as U cannot be bothered with ignorant people like that.

I worked in the public sector all through my twenties and no one ever said this to me. Seems to be a thing that happens a lot on American TV though.

Oh it happens. I just ignore and stick to the issue in hand. If they continue to be rude then I tell them I'll end the call and then I hang up.