hard work; rough physical labour
Refers to physically demanding, often unskilled or strenuous work. The term carries a nuance of toil and effort, sometimes with a negative connotation of hardship. Compare with 荒仕事 (あらしごと), which is more common.
See also: 荒仕事
建設現場での荒働きは体にこたえる。
The rough physical labour at the construction site takes a toll on the body.
彼は若い頃、港湾で荒働きをして生計を立
When he was young, he made a living doing hard work at the docks.
Compound of 荒 (あら, 'rough, crude') and 働き (はたらき, 'work, labour'). The reading あらばたらき reflects rendaku voicing of はたらき to ばたらき.