Workers in the mill were divided by race and skill, with the former having more weight than the latter. The best and highest paying jobs were given to white workers, while Asian workers were rarely promoted, earned less, and worked the more unpleasant jobs. This hierarchy in the workplace had existed since the 1860's, however, it became much worse after 1885

Many British Columbians believed that the Chinese, Japanese, and Sikh mill workers were taking away opportunities for white workers. Inside the mills, white workers were preferred followed by Japanese, East Indian, and Chinese workers. The reliability of Asian workers, however, kept them employed by mill owners. A contractor was responsible for providing Asian workers to mill owners.