Daleks and slavery are synonymous. On every habited world conquered, natives who were not exterminated were herded together and used as an expendable workforce. Due to the diverse life-forms that existed within the sphere of Dalek influence, there was no such thing as a standard slave, though living and working conditions are usually horrendous for those unfortunates who found themselves "Subjects of the Dalek Empire". The usual situation was for the Daleks to move in and conquer a planet, subjugate the native populations and immediately set them to work mining ore, stone or other minerals which could then used to further the development of the empire. It was not unknown for Slaves to be made to turn big rocks into little rocks into pebbles for no reason other than to keep them working. Select slaves were taken off-world for key research projects or to help manufacture key Dalek facilities across the empire.
In addition to slaves, the Daleks captured hostile native life forms and converted them to their use. The Varga plant, native to Skaro, for example was seen on many planets conquered and abandoned by the empire. The monstrous Slyther, used as guard dogs by many Supreme Daleks came from an unknown planet and were known to terrorise slave workers who emerged after the curfews installed by the Daleks. As master bio-engineers, the Daleks could find a use for any life-form that could be conditioned and enhanced by their technologies. Robomen – cybernetically controlled sentients – became common sights on subjugated worlds and were used as simple patrols to maintain control of the populace. The technology used in creating robomen advanced as the empire expanded.
The Dalek Empire sometimes utilised other races as mercenary task forces. The Ogrons were witnessed on Earth in an altered timeline where an invasion was successfully completed, in the 26th century trying to brew war between Earth and Draconia and on the planet Hel in the late 26th century. In addition, the Daleks have been known to recruit mercenaries from other races when they wished to maintain a low profile.
Although all other life forms were considered inferior to the Daleks, strategic alliances were made on a number of occasions during the first Dalek Empire. Such alliances were seen as temporary events to the Daleks, even if their allies had been fooled or manipulated into thinking otherwise. The advances made during the latter days of the empire were begun with an alliance between the Daleks and members of other powers – both in the Mutter's Spiral galaxy and without.
Whilst the Daleks knew they were the superior race, they are not averse to using others in their plans where their aims could be furthered.
