Sweatshops are fairly common in the past in almost all countries especially during the Industrial Revolution. People from the countryside flocked to the cities in search of a better life. The reality was contrary to their expectations. Workers are housed in places which can be described as befitting animals. Shelter and safe workplaces were in dire need. Various maladies, both physical and social, afflicted thousands of people. There were those who rose above the situation and attained a certain degree of success but the majority was left in a quagmire of misery. Organizations and unions were formed to address the social ills including the concerns of the workers.
Yes, this might have happened in the past century but these conditions can still be found in the Third World. In some cases, sweatshops also exist in some so-called developed countries. Workers are still exploited. They still work long hours with low pay in unhealthy workplaces. Discrimination and abuse are still prevalent. Thus, the continuing existence and the strengthening of labor unions.
