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Day on the subway trench reveals harsh early union labor
Reporter Duncan Spencer chronicles a first week with Union Local 485 working $3.85 an hour on a New York Avenue trench. The account follows 6 a.m. arrivals, grueling digging, heavy pipe handling, mud and dust, pay packets, and a view of workers like Melvin who value independence over higher paid, easier tasks.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Duncan Spencer
Washington
Road Highway and Heavy Construction Laborers Union Local 485
Union Hall
Local 485
Building Laborers Union Local 74
14Th
New York Avenue
14Th Street
Jim
Melvin
Hyattsville
John