FUCKING GOV'T EMPLOYEES!!!!!!!!

[Nacho4Sara]

OH MY SWEET GOD ABOVE, I MUST GET THIS OUT OF MY SYSTEM BEFORE I SELF-DESTRUCT!

Ok, so a few weeks ago I decided to get my driver's liscense, even though it has never been a priority of mine due to public transportation. So I got my booklet, studied it, decided to take the learner's test this morning.

I go, fill out the paperwork. Surprise, you need TWO official documents with your home address, instead of ONE like it says in the fucking booklet. So my mom and I run home, pick up a canceled check, and head back. The woman checks my ID, stamps my form, and sends me to a room. A belligerant woman takes my form and says she will call me. She does so 45 minutes later, and I go in. She THROWS my form at me and says, "You need this filled out." I say, "I filled it out and the woman stamped it." She says, "She needs other shit. I don't have time. NEXT!" So I wait ten minutes in another line and explain what happened, so she takes my form and says, "Jesus Christ, all she had to do was look at this and fill it out. Now I know why gov't officials shoot each other."

So I take the form in and the woman says, "Eye test." And I say, "Where do I go?" very politely, mind you, because that's how I was raised.
Here is the convo we had:

BITCH: Jesus Fucking Christ, right here (*sigh* slaps machine)
ME: Thank you, ma'am.
B: Read the jhjfghjgf line.
M: Pardon me, what line was that ma'am?
B: The FOURTH line, ya deaf? I don't have time for this shit!
M: Sorry, ma'am. JKHO.
B: All the way the fuck across, PLEASE.
M: I beg your pardon, ma'am. JKHO DFEM.
B: (looks over at me, has moved to other side of room) Read it again. (looking at other papers)

(At this point I wonder why I must read it again when no one else had to, but I'm game...)

M:JKHO DFEM.
B: You talking too fast. Again.
M:J-K-H-O D-F-E-M
B: Where's the flashing light?
M: Pardon me? There's just letters.
B: Where's the fucking light?
M: Oh, to the left. I'm sorry.
B: Jesus fucking Christ, I can't take this shit. I need a fucking ciagrette (promptly exits).
M: (I lose it at this point) TO THE LEFT! IT WAS TO THE LEFT!

So then she leaves and the other guys says, "I have to fail you because she's my supervisor. Get an eye test and come back again."

ME: Sir, I beg your pardon, I just had an eye test last month and these are new contacts. I really can't afford another eye exam...
OTHER GUY: I'm sorry ma'am, I have to...
BITCH: (re-enters) NEXT!
M: Pardon me, ma'am, I was wondering why I have to take the eye test when I read it correctly all three times?
B: I don't have time for this shit. Get out of my fucking face.
M: THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR PROMPT AND ATTENTIVE SERVICE. I AM SO FUCKING SORRY TO INCONVENIENCE YOU. SORRY FOR FUCKING MAKING YOU DO YOUR PIECE OF SHIT JOB! (exit)

Can you believe this? I am taking this nearly word for word. I always say thank you, pardon me, ma'am, please, etc. I was so polite to her and she was such a bitch.

NOW I have to go to Wal-Mart and pay $65 for an eye exam I DO NOT NEED!! I have never been so pissed in my entire fucking life!!

[Persephone]

The woman cursed at you like that? Really?

I'm a municipal employee. That kind of behavior warrants severe disciplinary action. Yoinks. There is no way you should tolerate that behavior. Just because she is a supervisor doesn't mean she doesn't have a boss. Notify her superiors at the earliest opportunity.

[kiffa]

I agree with Persephone. File a complaint. Also, you can go to another DMV office nearby [hopefully you live in a fairly large metro area like LA].

I find it easier to complain about civil servants because the chain of command is fairly easy to figure out. Write our complaint out with specifics and give names, if possible. I have also found that you will get more attention if you go to the head of the line ie your city councilperson, school board representative, state representative etc. Generally you get a quicker response from folks who rely on your vote. You sound like a rational and polite person; this will be easier for bureaucrats to respond to your issue. Cussing and acting like an idiot will only provoke those primitive kneejerk reactions from those who are better placed to deal with the real issue.

I have a gazillion complaints about piss-poor service from the private sector....but generally the corrective response is quick

[Little Nemo]

First, as a government employee, I was disappointed to find out the subject line was not an actual offer.

Second, I'll agree with what others have said. Report that woman to her boss. It may be a cliche, but she's working for you and needs to be reminded that public service means serving the public. Rest assured, that she will be answering to her boss for this kind of behavior.

One final piece of advice. Judging from your posts, I'm assuming you're fairly young, so you may consider having your mother cofile the complaint with you, so you don't take the risk of having it dismissed out of hand by someone who might not take a teenager seriously.

[ChiefScott]

Says N4S NOW I have to go to Wal-Mart and pay $65 for an eye exam.I've always likened this to getting a Pap Smear at K-Mart.

[HomeSlice]

Call your local newspaper or news program. That is unless you live in a big city. Then they wont give a shit about it.

[HomeSlice]

Oh yeah,...if you do live in a big city, then key her car and slash her tires.:D

[Duck Duck Goose]

Sara, you mean you have to pay to have an eye exam since you pissed off the Driver's License bitch? If so, can't you just go to another Driver's License facility, a different branch office?

BTW, babe, next time someone jerks your chain like that, DON'T JUST STAND THERE. Geez. Like Ann Landers says, "Nobody can use you for a doormat without your permission." Me, I'd have been OUT of there, saying, "I'm sorry but I'm not staying here for this." Oh, and also? I'd have made a POINT of peering at her name badge, if she had one, or of asking her, "May I have your name, please?" and if she asked why, I'd tell her, "Because you are being so incredibly rude to me that I'm going to report you to your supervisor." And listen, Sara, I am hardly the most aggressive person on the planet, I mean I am like usually this total weenie, but thank God I think I AM able to muster up enough gumption to deal with someone like this. Try it next time! Nil nisi illegitimati carburundum or something like that, means "don't let the bastards grind you down."

Actually, if it had been me, probably a LOT sooner in the transaction I'd have asked her, "What is your PROBLEM?" and changed the parameters a little. Called her on it. Reading between the lines, I see someone who thought she could dump on a kid (sorry, sweetie, I know you're really All Grown Up now :D ) who couldn't or wouldn't fight back.

P.S. Where was your mom during all this? Just curious. Did she witness any of it (or maybe I just didn't read the OP carefully enough).

I don't think that there's any way you'll be able to get any kind of satisfaction, not unless your last name is Corleone. But then I'm a pessimist.

[SPOOFE]

Maybe you came across Miss Bitch at the wrong time of the month.

[Nacho4Sara]

The woman cursed at you like that? Really?

Oh yeah. She cursed about 18 times in our conversation.

I have her name and I am reporting her. I have to get the eye exam because it was put in the computer that I filed for a Learner's but failed b/c of my vision.

I am still pissed, but less so now. I'm getting the eye exam monday and going back tuesday. If the bitch is there, I will ask for someone else to wait on me and if not, I'll drive a fucking hour to the other location. And I really yelled at her; I didn't want to piss her off anymore than she already was but I did yell just what I said. I am not taking her shit, that stupid piece of shit bitch!

Oy I get mad all over again!

My mom was outside in the waiting area, but she heard the end part because she heard me from outside. She heard the lady call me a "snotty bitch" under her breath as well, which I missed because I was storming out.

The bitch is going down. Oh she is going down.

BTW, I am 19. I don;t now if my mom can co-file a complaint or not but I will make myself heard. I am very nice and always polite, but when you get on my bad side, I may as well be Don Corleone because she is going to regret being rude to me.

[TVeblen]

That is awful, Sara! Given your account, her actions were so far out of line it is incredible. I'm so sorry you had such an unpleasant experience.

Persephone, Little Nemo, etc. are absolutely right. Such behavior is not sanctioned. FWIW, I'm in charge of a local governmental agency, and one that is unionized to boot. Any employee who used abusive language to a citizen, much less cursing, would be immediately disciplined very severely. I'd have to check the unit rules for the labor contract (which specifies progressive discipline for various infractions), but IIRC the type of behavior you describe is cause from firing on first offense.

Even if it weren't a case of firing, at the very least the employee would be immediately pulled from the public floor. Sorry to sound so vague on this, but other aspects of labor law kick in, e.g. she could claim mental stress, etc. But even then, if she kept her job, she could still be forced to seek counseling as a condition of continued employment. A probationary period would follow, where any[i] infraction of courtesy, etc. would result in immediate firing.

Hint: find out which state official oversees the DMV or whatever in your state. (In IL, it's the Sec'y. of State.) Write him/her a clear, brief description of the encouter. [i]Copy the letter to your state legislators. (Call the Reference dept of your library; they can give you names and addresses.) Follow up w/ phone calls, and request a response.

With behavior that extreme, sounds to me like there's some deep institutional sickness happening. You know it didn't just start w/ you. But please believe that government employment in NO way permits this sort of vile conduct. If anything, the bar is set higher for dealing with cranky, confused or just plain stupid people.

Expanding on Little Nemo's point, a private company can tell a person to take their business elsewhere. In government, we are the business for everyone, and there is no alternative.

Best of luck to you.

Veb

[Danielinthewolvesden]

As yet another Gov't flack- I am appalled at that womens behavior. Write your state Assembleyman (as you are 19, you are a voter, thus valuable). There should be no way dhe is keeping her job. Nor should you have to getan eye test. Write to the DMV, they have an Appeals office. make sure you mention that to your Assemblyman.

Many years ago, i had a similar problem with the DMV. They said I had not sent in my Smog test. When I called, they said I needed a retest. I asked why a reciept would not do, and they insisted. I wrote my Asssemblyman, with copies of everything. They called me to let me know they had spoken to various big cheeses. Next thing you know, there is a call from A VERY polite DMV flack, and a copy of my new reg in the mail.

Oddly enough I have had problems only with the State CA, and never with the Feds. Couple of "inquirys" from the IRS, cleared up by a polite, prompt letter from me. Except the time they said they owed me 20 bucks more, and I let them get away with it, as I'm sucha nice guy.

[Falcon]

Sara -

IIRC, you live in Maryland, correct? DO NOT go get the eye exam. Go back there and just get back in line. If you get ANY shit, ask for a supervisor. (I'd also advise going to a different facility, if you could.....)

My mother had a problem with DMV here as well. Her renewal got lost in the mail, so her license expired. Therefore, she had to take the driving test again. Of course, she didn't know all the little stupid things they tell you in driver's ed. "Make sure you look and signal when ou pull out of the parking space...." and crap like that. Because of this, she flunked. Now, theoretically she had to wait two weeks to retest, and someone else had to drive her home. However, my father was in Memphis, and I was at college. She got so mad (and the instructor was a bitch too), she said she was coming back the next day and she went to drive home. Her instructor said she couldn't, and my mother said "I've been driving for 40 years. Call a cop." They let her go, and she passed the next day.

My point is....DMV people are idiots sometimes. And some are great. (When I lost the title to my car, they were great about replacing it.) So....I'd try going back and seeing if you could get someone else, or talking to someone higher up before spending the money to get the exam. Just thought I'd help, since I'm in the same state.... ;)

[Byzantine]

Uh... I was a government employee and I would have never treated someone like that! I would have gotten treated to the sight of my own head crammed up my own ass if I had!

I don't care WHO someone works for: No one has the right to treat anyone like that. Even if the customer is the first to be rude.

It is completely unacceptable behavior. No matter WHO is doing it or why.

I agree that you should write a letter to that division and to the higher ups. Temper your anger and state your case clearly lest you come off as someone who "antagonized" her into that reaction. Which I doubt you did.

Fuck the crack about "her time of the month" since that is less than stupid. I don't know about other women but I am not at the whim of my vaginal secretions, whatever they may be and I resent that implication. Even if she had just lost her puppy she shouldn't take it out on you or anyone else.

If you can't go to another office go back to that one and ask for the supervisor. Explain and name names or point these people out.

In the future if you are even again confronted with someone who just seems pissed beyond all get out very calmly ask them why they are so upset. Point out that you have been nothing but courteous and you wish to receive the same treatment. Nine times out of ten they will calm down and stop treating you this way.

My best to you
Byz

[speakeasy]

Kill.

[casdave]

All government employees are subject to standards assesment.

Bet that there have been lots of run-ins for other people.
If this individual is consistantly rude then it would be no prob whatsoever to garner opinion from her other victims(just stand outside the office one day).

Between you there will be a momentum created to rid the department of this trash.

Do not put up with it it ain't over if you keep at her, remember that you will be doing a service for the community.

[Bosda Di'Chi of Tricor]

I'm a Tennessee State employee.

Go to your State Rep. or Assemblyman. In TN , a complaint to the supervisor will get you zip.

Reasons:


A) Low Pay/Understaffing-- TN pays it's employees SQUAT! So we can't replace people when they get fired. So supervisors are unwilling to fire rude staff.

B) Statewide Labor Shortage---makes the above even worse.

C) Rednecks-- tend to abuse the Government over anything (no, I'm not talking about you, Nacho4). Often , complaints are without merit, or grossly provoked. In TN, many people will treat public servant like personal enemies. In ways few of them would treat a store worker.Since supervisors start out doing the same job as their subordinates, they tend to be sympathetic to their staff.

D) Violent Physical Assaults--In TN, physical violence against Driving Examiners has resulted in an enormous number of injuries, workman's comp claims, hospitalizations & criminal charges against the public. New , harsh laws were passed to protect the State Employee, but they haven't helped much, yet.... :( 4 deaths in the last year, alone.


Nacho4sara--you shouldn't have been treated that way. Try your elected official, with your Mom's co-signature. You deserve better. And you're right--she shouldn't act that way.

[Obvious Guy]

That is one bizzare story. That lady deserves getting fired!!!! I remember when I got my license, they had me look into that eye machine and everything was freakin blurry. I know my eyes arn't that bad... but here I am sounding like an idot cause I can't read the letters. I know I should have said something, but it was my first time and I was nervous.

[TwistofFate]

N4S, thank god you're over there, and not here I Ireland.

If I apply for my driving test, I'll have to wait for 12-18 MONTHS before I can take the test. And thats after getting your Provisional Licence

[red_dragon60]

I don't think that there's any way you'll be able to get any kind of satisfaction, not unless your last name is Corleone



I may as well be Don Corleone because she is going to regret being rude to me.


Wel, I can't make you a Corleone, but you could do the next best thing (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=27726)

[SwimmingRiddles]

Don't get the eye exam. Call her supervisor. It'll take a while to get through the DMV phone system, but you'll get through eventually. Explain the situation, and explain that you're not comfortable having her in the building. Ask when she is not working. Then write up a formal complaint, send it to her supervisor, the state head of the DMV, a regional state assemblyman, and, if you know of one, a lawyer just to have the "Esq." on the CC list. It'll scare the crap out of them.

[Nacho4Sara]

Well, here's the update.. surprising results...

I went to the eye exam, because in a month I will need new contact anyway, so I figured what the hell. My insurance does not cover it anymore anyway, and it's cheap. I put it on the credit card. The optomologist was a cutie and I got his number, so all is well on that front. :)

Next, I headed to the DMV, meaning to file a complaint and get my learner's. I went through the whole rigermarle, and went back to take the test. SHE was there. Another woman waited on me but I know she saw me and recognized me. After the test, she was the one who graded it and she told me she was sorry for the way she treated me Saturday. I told her that I had come in planning to file a complaint and that she was out of line. She jusy said "I'ms orry" again, and I went ahead and filed the complaint. I know she was sorry, she seemed honest, but there was no excuse for her treating me that way. So I left (got my learner's and drove home!!!!!:)) I still might send a letter to my district rep, I don't know. She seemed sincere, and I passed my test and met a cute boy, so who cares?

Next debate: Is 28 too old for 19? He's cute and A DOCTOR!! :)

[John Corrado]

Next debate: Is 28 too old for 19? He's cute and A DOCTOR!!

Hmm. Well, it depends upon what 28 is doing to 19.

Say. I'm 28. You're 19.

Come on over to my place some evening, and we'll test some stuff out. Once we figure out how much can happen before 28's back completely gives out, we'll know whether 28 is too old for 19.

[matt_mcl]

Nacho: Consider the fact that I'm 18 and the average age of the people I sleep with is around 30 or 35, then ask yourself again. I don't think you have anything to worry about. Go for it, girl.

BTW: Fight the power!

[Byzantine]

Uh, she recognized her error, knew she had done wrong, and did her best to atone... I would cut her some slack.

Everyone has a hard day now and then. You might have just caught her on a day when her puppy died or whatever. If she seemed truly, honestly, remorseful I would, (being the big marshmallow heart I am) cut her some slack.

If it seemed forced, like she was only saying that to cover her ass than I would write the letter.

I guess, if I were you, put yourself in her shoes for a mile.

Would you still do the same?

Up to you.

I'm sure you will make the best call.

As for the age thing. What do YOU think?

[HomeSlice]

Let the bitch burn. Nobodys day should be that bad. I should freakin know. I have NEVER lost my temper with one of my customers.

[TVeblen]

Glad it all worked out well for you, Sara.

A few observations: the fact that the woman recognized you days later, out of all the hundreds, suggests that she really did really how far out of line her behavior was. It helps that she volunteered an apology--though I'm not sure what apology would really cover the way she acted.

I'm speculating waaayyy ahead of any facts, but the way she lost it so totally suggests that there are some pretty serious underlying problems going on. Whether her problem is with the job or her personal life, the DMV has a stressed employee who needs some help.

I'm not excusing or forgiving her behavior: it was awful. She certainly deserves disciplinary action--but I hope it includes some decent effort to help her get her act together. Most people aren't carelessly abusive for fun. Maybe by complaining you'll prod her employers into getting her some help. (They should have recognized the problem way earlier, anyway, and addressed it before it got that bad.)

Veb