In 1922 a nationwide coal mining strike occurs. David's family and the rest of Herrin, Illinois try to suffer through. But David's father is sick and he must find a way to help pay to take care of him. He does the unthinkable and crosses the picket line to take work as a scab at the local mine. But David soon discovers that his choice may have not been the safest one as the union and the rest of the town will stop at nothing to keep the mine from operating under scabs and breaking the strike. David has to decide what is stronger, loyalty or poverty? Based on actual events.