Boudreaux and Thibodeaux worked together in St. John's Parish and both were laid off, so they went to the unemployment office. When asked his occupation, Boudreaux answered, "Panty Stitcher. I sew da elastic onto ladies cotton
panties and t’ongs."
The clerk looked up panty stitcher on his computer and finding it classified as unskilled labour, he gave him $80 a week unemployment pay.
Thibodeaux was next and when asked his
occupation replied, "Diesel fitter." Since diesel fitter was a skilled job, the clerk gave Thibodeaux $160 a week.
When Boudreaux found out he was furious. He stormed back into the office to find out why his friend
and co-worker was collecting double his pay. The clerk explained, "Panty Stitcher's are unskilled and
Diesel Fitters are skilled labour."
"What skill?" yelled Boudreaux. "I sew da elastic on da
panties and the t’ongs. Thibodeaux puts dem over his head and says:
"Yep, diesel fitter!"