'THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE' CHRONICLES FIGHT FOR
MEXICAN AMERICAN EQUALITY IN 'LOS MINEROS'
The story of Mexican American miners whose labor battles spanned nearly half a century from 1903 to 1946 and shaped the course of Arizona history is chronicled in "Los Mineros," airing on "The American Experience" on KPBS television and simulcast in Spanish. Luis Valdez narrates.
The documentary was written by Paul Espinosa, KPBS's executive producer of ethinc issues and public affairs.
The push to electrify American cities and towns created a huge demand for copper at the turn of the century. By 1910, thousands of Mexican miners -- los mineros -- had come to Arizona to mine ore for American copper companies, working 10-to-12 hour shifts in tunnels 4,000 feet underground. They made only half as much as "Anglos" earned for the same work.
Los mineros organized to fight the hated "dual wage system." Battles, strikes, and violence continued for 50 years until 1956 when the miners won the concessions they had been demanding for so long.
David Velazquez, now 73, led the 1946 strike and brings his story to life through stories and reminiscences.
"Los Mineros" is produced and directed by Hector Galan.