His dangers are many. He may be crushed to death at any time by the falling roof, burned to death by the exploding of gas, or blown to pieces by a premature blast.
1902 account of the coal mines by Rev. John McDowell
Life of a Coal Miner
Coal mining in the 20th century was a dangerous occupation due to the lack of safety regulations and proper healthcare. The hazardous conditions meant frequent accidents involving gas leaks, falling rocks, and explosions that killed thousands of miners. Most died before reaching thirty years of age. Despite the risks, miners were only paid a pitiful $1.60 for 10 hours of grueling labor. Many had to start at a young age, giving up their education to support their struggling families.
The harsh realitites of coal mining in the early 20th
century, c. 2025, Britannica
During the last thirty years over 10,000 men and boys have been killed and 25,000 have been injured in this industry. Not many old men are found in the mines. The average age of those killed is 32.13.
1902 account of the coal mines by Rev. John McDowell
Working Class Hero, c. 1941, The State Journal-Register
Lewis and the UMWA
Founded in the 1890s, the United Mine Workers of America was a union formed to advocate for the health and wages of coal miners through negotiations with coal operators. They were led by John L. Lewis, a former coal miner, who would lead the union in many impactful but controversial strikes during his 40 years as UMWA president.
The workers of the nation were tired of waiting for corporate industry to right their economic wrongs, to alleviate their social agony and to grant them their political rights. Despairing of fair treatment, they resolved to do something for themselves.
John Lewis, 1937
Labor’s threat is a challenge against all we have and are in government, and as such it is our duty as American citizens to accept the challenge and in our strength rise up and crush the foe to our most cherished ideals. Our government is for all the people, not for any one class or faction.
Bishop A. Quayle, 1920
America's Enemy
During the 1943 coal strikes, Lewis and the UMWA were antagonized by the American public for halting coal production used in the war effort, even after the U.S government offered to double their wages, prompting President Roosevelt to seize the mines. Strikes were a common occurrence in the early 20th century, and each was negatively portrayed by the media, resulting in public perception of striking workers as “weak.” Nevertheless, these strikes were effective in creating reforms like higher wages and reduced working hours.
Yet in the gravest war in our history, when everyone has been told of the duty of sacrifice, they are holding up the supplies of a material vital to the war effort while their leaders decide whether this proffered increase is quite enough.
New York Times, 1943
Executive Order Controlling Coal Mines, c. 1943, Bettmann Archive
The action of the leaders of the United Mine Workers coal miners has been intolerable—and has rightly stirred up the anger and disapproval of the overwhelming mass of the American people.
President Roosevelt, 1943
Banner image citation: Helen coal miners 1947, 1947, National Park Service