Behind the Bastards Part Two:The Deadliest Workplace Disaster in U.S. History
Oct 26, 2023
This podcast explores the exploitation of black tunnel workers and the absurdity of inspections. It delves into a famous trial and the logistics of dealing with the dead. The aftermath of a coal mine disaster and unequal compensation are highlighted. Tragic history and the lack of workplace protections are discussed, along with the hosts' exploration of TikTok and society's fascination with serial killers.
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Absalom's Family Tragedy
- Absalom's three sons all worked in the Hawks Nest Tunnel and fell ill due to silica dust exposure.
- Her youngest son Shirley died after severe respiratory issues, illustrating the human cost of the disaster.
Violent Enforcement of Labor
- Sick black workers were forcibly removed from camps by armed enforcers known as shack rousers.
- These rousers used violence and intimidation to maintain continuous labor despite workers' failing health.
Invisible Black Migrant Workers
- Black migrant workers were isolated and lacked community support, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and disappearance.
- Families often never learned the fate of loved ones lost in the disaster, as many deaths went unrecorded or were misrepresented.