Spain's Care Workers Face Exploitation Amid Pandemic Fallout
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Spain's domestic and care workers hard. Nearly 600,000 people—mostly women, many from non-EU countries—work in this sector, which was declared essential during lockdowns. Yet their conditions have worsened, with job losses, longer hours, and fewer protections than other employees.
When the state of emergency began, the government offered an emergency subsidy for registered workers who lost their jobs. It covered up to 70% of their contribution base, with a maximum of €950. But by late August, only 17,200 of 32,000 applications had been approved.
For those who kept their jobs, working conditions declined sharply. Employers often extended hours and cut days off without extra pay. Many live-in caregivers, particularly those supporting the elderly, now risk eviction if dismissed.
The crisis has also fuelled activism. Worker-led groups are pushing for major reforms, including full integration into the Occupational Risk Prevention Law and equal Social Security rights. Key demands include ratifying ILO Convention 189, which guarantees decent work for domestic staff, and exempting employers from paying their Social Security contributions.
Despite the sector's essential status, the government has not addressed its unique employment structure. Domestic workers still lack basic protections, such as unemployment benefits or safeguards against unfair dismissal.
The pandemic has exposed deep inequalities in Spain's care system. Workers face job insecurity, housing risks, and fewer rights than other employees. Without policy changes, their precarious conditions are likely to persist long after the crisis.
