[Smokin' Joe]

The laborers bemoaned that, saying it would put shovelers out of work.

How many construction jobs have some guy sitting up in the excavator waiting for the guy in the hole with the shovel to move the rock away from whatever they are digging up? (Every one I have ever been on).

[Rome2000]

The guy in the hole is the important one.

Nothing like breaking a water main or a 500 pair
telephone cable to teach you to make sure the laborer in the hole is experienced and competent.