Low Wages, Life-Threatening Work Long before the advent of Worker's Compensation, early Twentieth Century laborers faced harsh conditions, threats of mining explosions and cave-ins, low wages, and racism. Examine the dangers and disasters of labor in this era. Early Mining Read more about laborers during the time of Joe Hill, and see historical photos and footage. Immigrants Because they were willing to work for cheap wages, Europeans and other new immigrants groups new to the country encountered racism and class strife. Continue Scofield Mine Disaster: 1900 Learn more of the haunting events behind the shocking disaster that killed 200 in Utah. Rise of the I.W.W. Find out how the Industrial Workers of the World (I.W.W.), ignited the most radical and militant movement in the nation's labor history. Interviews with the Experts Historians and writers offer insights into the social, political, and economic landscape of early Twentieth Century labor.                 About the Program || Joe Hill Home || PBS Home