Setbacks
Strike!
Working conditions were very difficult and dangerous for the construction workers building the dam. Carbon monoxide poisoning, dehydration, heat stroke, and electrocution from poorly placed electrical lines were common. The workers reached a breaking point in the summer of 1931. On August 7th, Six Companies reassigned some of the diversion tunnel workers to lower paying jobs. All of the workers went on strike, and demanded better pay and safer work conditions. Six Companies refused, and the worker's appeal to the U.S. Secretary of Labor fell on deaf ears. Shortly after, the workers ended the strike for fear of losing their jobs. Six Companies did go on to improve working conditions, including additional lighting and water, as well as no more pay cuts.
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Lower Cofferdam
Construction of the lower cofferdam was delayed while the high-scaling of the canyon walls above the power plants and outlet works was completed.