Well, yes, that would cause some difficulties and a slightly chilled air around the coffee machine where I work as well.
There are ways of communicating the sentiment without making it easy for them to get rid of you...
My take on working is that my employer is renting my time & skills to complete a job, they have every right to expect value for their money - but they don't own me, nor can they tell me when I am allowed to take a phone call, go for a lunch break, shout at me or demand that I work extra hours for no extra money.
As the wolf says: "I'm here to help - if my help's not appreciated then lotsa luck, gentlemen."
The funny thing is that I end up doing a lot of work on my own time...
It wouldn't be surprising if some people left on their own after the incident.