sweatshop

A sweatshop is a workplace where people work long hours for very low wages under poor or unsafe conditions. These conditions can include inadequate ventilation, lack of safety equipment, and excessive heat. Workers in sweatshops are often subjected to verbal abuse and intimidation, and may face penalties for taking breaks or speaking out. The term "sweatshop" is often used to describe factories in developing countries that produce goods for export, particularly clothing, toys, and electronics.

The low wages paid in sweatshops are often below the minimum wage in the country of operation, and are insufficient to cover basic living expenses. This forces workers, many of whom are women and children, to work extremely long hours to earn enough money to survive. Child labor is a common issue in sweatshops, as children are often seen as a cheaper and more compliant workforce.

The conditions in sweatshops have been a subject of international concern and activism for many years. Critics argue that companies that source their products from sweatshops are complicit in human rights abuses. In response, some companies have implemented codes of conduct for their suppliers, aiming to improve working conditions and wages. However, enforcement of these codes can be challenging, and sweatshops continue to exist in many parts of the world. Efforts to combat sweatshops include consumer awareness campaigns, advocacy by non-governmental organizations, and legislative measures in some countries.