* Low wages: Workers are paid significantly below the minimum wage or a fair living wage.
* Long hours: Workers are often required to work excessive hours, sometimes without breaks.
* Unsafe conditions: The workplace might lack basic safety measures, leading to injuries and health problems.
* Lack of benefits: Workers might not have access to healthcare, sick leave, or other benefits.
* Forced labor: Workers may be coerced into working against their will, or their freedom of movement might be restricted.
* Child labor: Children are often employed in sweatshops, deprived of education and subjected to harmful working conditions.
Sweatshops are often associated with:
* Globalized production: Many products are manufactured in developing countries where labor costs are lower.
* Exploitation of workers: Sweatshop owners prioritize profit over the well-being of their employees.
* Lack of regulation: Weak labor laws and enforcement in some countries allow sweatshops to operate with impunity.
The term "sweatshop" carries a strong negative connotation and highlights the unethical practices involved in such workplaces.