Because workers had few alternative jobs during the Great Depression, Robert Moses could make them work hard and hire or fire them ruthlessly.

“But more than the wages, they were available, you know, because they didn't have anything to do. He was able to hire so many people and hire and fire them in a ruthless way.”

“You know, making the workmen work hard, you know. He could just fire them. It was The Depression.”

“They didn't have other jobs to go to. I think that was... He used that, yes.”