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

This special value of the trades-unions first became clear to the residents of Hull-House in connection with the sweating system.

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

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

Irregularity of employment, or, more accurately speaking, insufficiency of employment--for the "irregularity" is itself regular--forms one of the most terrible phases of the sweating system.

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

The attempt to secure by legislation or by combination an eight hours day, or its equivalent, might seem to affect the "sweating system" most directly, as a restriction on excessive hours of labour.

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

One of the speakers had alluded to the evil part in the sweating system which is played by the highly paid "speeders."

From Comrade Yetta by Edwards, Albert