Paddy and Mick worked together in the garment district in Midtown New York and were both laid off, so they headed down to the New York State Department of Labor office. 

When asked his occupation, Paddy replied,
“I’m a panty stitcher. I sew the elastic onto ladies’ cotton panties and thongs.”

The clerk typed it into the computer, found it listed as unskilled labor, and told Paddy he’d receive $80 a week in unemployment.

Next up was Mick. When asked his occupation, he replied,
“I’m a diesel fitter.”

Since diesel fitter was classified as skilled labor, Mick was approved for $160 a week.

When Paddy found out, he was furious.  He stormed back into the office and demanded to know why his co-worker was getting double the money.

The clerk explained,
“Panty stitchers are unskilled labor. Diesel fitters are skilled.”

“What skill?!” Paddy yelled.
“I sew the elastic onto the panties and thongs. Mick puts them over his head and says,
‘Yep… diesel fitter!’”