Private Sector Works Harder, Makes Less? Navy Official Disagrees

Americans believe government employees receive better pay for less work, according to a Rasmussen poll released Monday.

Some 70 percent of 1,000 adults surveyed said private-sector employees work more than their government counterparts, and 54 percent believe government employees earn more than those in the private sector, the poll found.

Government workers surveyed generally agreed, with 55 percent believing the private sector works harder than they do and half saying that government workers earned more annually.

Not everyone in the government feels that way, however. Robert Work, undersecretary of the Navy, disagreed with these sentiments on Tuesday at a panel sponsored by Government Executive.

"There seems to be this feeling that government workers are overpaid and underworked. I will tell you right now it is bullshit. You can quote me on that," Work said. "These guys are terrific. Every man and woman that I have met in the department of the Navy has the same goal that I do. They are dedicated professionals and patriots and they are going to help us get through this thing."