Might depend on industry but 12 hour shifts are pretty common in the US too.

When I worked ag normal days were 16-18 hours during harvest

pretty much depends on the industry but here an average office job is usually 8 to 10 hours, 6 days a week. i was talking about the US where they want to repeal the fair labor standards act which sets the standard hours for most job to 8 hours. the employer can force you to work overtime but they have to pay you at least double your usual salary.