[SaF] meaning of a word

[sajeev]

Sir/M'm,
I quote from some usenet discussion : 
"...Harold will not be happy until the entire world is totally filled with
coolies that will do whatever he wants, any time he wants. ..."
I thought I should not ask in that forum, as it may be off topic. However,
my question is
what does 'Coolies' mean in US English? (It is pejorative I suppose.)
I know what it means in some
Indian Languages. ( Wages, or Wage earner). 
thank you,
sajeev.