Canalers was the generic name given to the men who did the bulk of the work on the canals in the 1700 and1800’s.  The ethnic make up of these workers changed with time.  Early on, they were slaves or indentures servants.  With time, the majority were free men.  They were low skilled workers.  Many were immigrants.  Wages were traditionally low.  Due to the excess immigrant population,they were at the mercy of their bosses.  They could not unionize or strike.  Their work day was long.  Their housing was substandard.  They were not accepted by the local population of the area inwhich they worked.