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26-03-2025

The First Spanish National Observatory on Personal and Household Services is Launched

On March 26th, 2025, the first meeting of the National Observatory on Personal and Household Services (PHS) in Spain was launched within the framework of the PHSDialogue project. Co-organised by AESPD - the Spanish Association of Personal and Domestic Services and EFSI - European Federation for Services to Individuals. The event was hosted by the permanent representation of the European Commission in Spain and AESPD president Ana Garrido López at the European Commission’s permanent representation in Spain.

This initiative aims to foster social dialogue in the personal and household services (PHS) sector at both EU and national levels. The creation of this National Observatory on PHS in Spain marks a significant step in structuring the sector, offering a dedicated space to:

  • Provide a forum to discuss the challenges facing the sector.
  • Identify obstacles to improving working conditions for domestic workers and initiate negotiations between social partners.
  • Establish a regular dialogue between PHS representatives in Spain.

Key Discussions

The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from European institutions, policy makers, social partners, and academic experts, to reflect on the present and future of the domestic and home care sector in Spain.

On behalf of the PHS Dialogue Project Consortium, EFFE presented the project’s key deliverables, including the PHS Monitor and the upcoming Toolkit on Employer’s Organisation Capacity Building on the PHS Sector, which aim to support social partners in structuring social dialogue and strengthening the sector.

The discussions were enriched by expert contributions, including:

  • Marta Pradanos (European Commission) – Presented the role of sectorial social dialogue at the European level and the Commission’s ambition to integrate the PHS sector.
  • Maria Gema Quintero Lima (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid) – Highlighted the legal challenges facing the sector and the need for clear sectoral agreements.
  • Sara López González (ILO representation in Spain) – Stressed the importance of ratifying Convention 189 and removing barriers to unionisation for both domestic workers and employers, ensuring full access to social dialogue mechanisms.

Laying the Groundwork for a Structured Social Dialogue

The final panel brought together employers' and workers' representatives, setting the basis for a much-needed discussion on the structuring of social dialogue.

  • Daniel Ibiza (AESPD) emphasised the importance of recognising the PHS sector as a key economic and social driver. He underlined the need for financial incentives to encourage declared employment and accessibility to these services for families.
  • Eduardo Galicia (Representative of large families) called for improved work-life balance policies and measures to ensure quality employment in the sector while considering the financial capacity of families.
  • Juan José Montoya (CCOO) & Marina Prieto (UGT) emphasised the importance of defining the exact scope of the sector before engaging in collective bargaining. They pointed out that Spain can take inspiration from existing collective agreements in other sectors that faced similar structuring challenges. Additionally, they stressed that the representation of employers must be strengthened to enable balanced negotiations.

This discussion laid the foundation for future dialogue and emphasised the importance of a structured and inclusive approach to shaping the sector’s development.

Looking ahead to a stronger future

This first National Observatory meeting has been a milestone in reinforcing collaboration between key stakeholders. It reaffirmed our commitment to:

  • Improving working conditions for domestic workers.
  • Increasing recognition and visibility for this essential work.
  • Supporting both employers and workers through representative organisations.

We invite all stakeholders to keep moving forward together, equipping the sector with the necessary tools and solutions to ensure its sustainability and development.

More details about the event can be found on AESPD's website.

On behalf of the PHSDialogue social partners, EFSI extends its sincere thanks to the speakers for their insightful presentations and to all participants for their valuable contributions.

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