Working conditions in factories continued to deteriorate into the 19th century as hours increased, pay dropped and safety was lax. How did the factory workers respond to these changes? Responses The workers went on strike and formed unions to protest poor working conditions. The workers went on strike and formed unions to protest poor working conditions. They believed in social mobility and began working more hours hoping it would help them climb the ladder to economic stability. They believed in social mobility and began working more hours hoping it would help them climb the ladder to economic stability. They left the factories and returned to their rural homes and workshops to make their own products. They left the factories and returned to their rural homes and workshops to make their own products. They left dangerous factories to work at safer places, forcing factories to improve conditions