Stewardesses are still paid so little that in many cases, new hires qualify for food stamps.

The quote, "Stewardesses are still paid so little that in many cases, new hires qualify for food stamps," comes from Patricia Ireland, an American feminist and labor leader. Ireland, who served as the president of the National Organization for Women (NOW) from 1991 to 2001, was a staunch advocate for women's rights and workplace equality. This quote highlights the disparity in wages within professions dominated by women, specifically targeting the low compensation for stewardesses (now more commonly referred to as flight attendants).

In the statement, Ireland emphasizes the extreme low wages that stewardesses received despite the demanding nature of their work. She draws attention to the fact that many new hires in the airline industry, especially during the earlier decades, could qualify for food stamps, a government aid program meant to support people with insufficient income to purchase food. The quote exposes the economic exploitation of women in certain industries and the disregard for the labor and responsibilities of those who serve in customer-facing, high-pressure jobs, despite their often crucial role in ensuring passengers’ safety and comfort.

The quote also serves as a critique of how the gendered nature of certain professions, such as stewardess or secretary, often leads to underpayment and devaluation of the work performed. By highlighting the connection between the low wages of stewardesses and their eligibility for food stamps, Ireland underscores the systemic inequalities faced by women in the workforce, particularly in industries that were historically dominated by men, like aviation. It’s a sharp commentary on the economic realities of gender-based discrimination in professional compensation.

Ultimately, Ireland’s quote calls for a reassessment of how labor is valued, especially when performed by women. It speaks to the need for fair pay, economic justice, and the importance of recognizing the worth of jobs that are often underappreciated and underpaid. The stark reality that many stewardesses had to rely on government assistance to survive highlighted a deep need for labor reforms and greater equality in wages across industries.