sweating system

American  

noun

1. the practice of employing workers in sweatshops.

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Etymology

Origin of sweating system

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

But the lower grades of machine-made boots, and the "sew-rounds," i.e. fancy shoes and slippers, which form a large part of the industry in London, present some of the worst features of the "sweating system."

From Problems of Poverty by Hobson, J. A. (John Atkinson)

In 1890 the report of the House of Lords Committee on the sweating system recommends in certain cases "well-considered combinations among the laborers."

From An Introduction to the Industrial and Social History of England by Cheyney, Edward Potts

One word must be said in this connection about the sweating system and its relation to trade unions.

From Twentieth Century Socialism What It Is Not; What It Is: How It May Come by Kelly, Edmond

But in the small workshops, which form about 80 per cent of the whole number, the common evils of the sweating system assert themselves--overcrowding, bad sanitation, and excessive hours of labour.

From Problems of Poverty by Hobson, J. A. (John Atkinson)

As the design of the sweating system is the elimination of rent from the manufacture of clothing, the "outside work" is begun after the clothing leaves the cutter.

From Twenty Years at Hull House; with autobiographical notes by Addams, Jane