During the Industrial Revolution, workers faced difficult conditions but began organizing to improve their situations. Children as young as 6 worked long hours in dangerous conditions for little or no pay in factories, mines, and other industrial jobs. Women also often worked outside the home in industries like textiles. Workplaces could be hot, physically demanding, and unsafe, with long hours over 12 hours a day and few breaks or safety protections. Workers eventually realized they deserved better treatment and started unions to fight for improved wages, hours, and working conditions.