Spain Launches Delayed Training for Domestic Workers

Spain’s Ministry of Labor presented new resources this Thursday to improve workplace safety for domestic employees. Vice President Yolanda Díaz stated Spain is at the forefront of rights for these workers, crediting years of organizing by the workers themselves. The new tools include a training website, a protocol against harassment, and a technical guide for risk prevention.

The training website, available starting Monday, will cover basic risk concepts and emergency responses. The protocol and guide were developed by the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. UGT health labor representative Patricia Ruiz noted the resources arrive late, but are a step forward.

Currently, the Social Security system registers roughly 386,000 domestic worker affiliations. These workers earn an average of 1,138 euros monthly, work 39.9 hours weekly, and 66% are foreign nationals.

While the ministry previously granted domestic workers unemployment benefits and required risk assessments, roughly three of ten workers still lack completed assessments as of November. The Ministry of Health has not scheduled a timeline for free medical checkups for this sector.