Live-in domestic workers in Spain treated like “modern-day slaves” - FreedomUnited.org

Live-in domestic workers in Spain treated like “modern-day slaves”

  • Published on
    November 13, 2020
  • Written by:
    Miriam Karmali
  • Category:
    Domestic Slavery
Live-in domestic workers in Spain treated like “modern-day slaves”

Global lockdowns as a result of COVID-19 have resulted in some live-in domestic workers being trapped with their employers. In Spain, a country with the most domestic workers in Europe, the majority of these workers live with their employers – increasing their risk of exploitation.

Isabella and Maria (not their real names) describe in a BBC report the abuse they have had to endure at the hands of their employers. Isabella was allowed just a cup of coffee for dinner and had to constantly refuse her employers’ sexual advances.

Some workers, like Maria, report being imprisoned in their employers’ home. Maria explained, “I could only keep in touch with the outside world on my phone, not able to set foot on the street.”

Watch the BBC report below.

Edith Espinola from SEDOAC, a domestic workers’ union in Spain said, “We have a motto: ‘live-in maids are modern slaves.” Around 100 women have sought support from Edith during the pandemic.

Domestic workers in Spain are made vulnerable to modern slavery partly because they don’t enjoy the same rights as other workers. But there is a global standard to protect domestic workers called Convention 189, and Spain has yet to ratify.

Join over 86,000 supporters urging their government to ratify C189 and ensure domestic workers are better protected from exploitation and modern slavery.

Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.

stop icon A few things we do not tolerate: comments that promote discrimination, prejudice, racism, or xenophobia, as well as personal attacks or profanity. We screen submissions in order to create a space where the entire Freedom United community feels safe to express and exchange thoughtful opinions.

guest
2 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Rags
Rags
2 years ago

Live-in domestic workers need to not only not be exploited, but should also have a right to working time limits during the day, right to recreation, right to internet, just as any other workers have.

What is even worse is that in many countries children work as live-in domestic workers.

Rory
Rory
2 years ago

Well in Uk is not that different. Besides the obvious injustice, it is the sinister plan behind this plandemia what is destroying our society. Please wake up and stand up.

This week

Migrant workers jailed in Qatar over demands for owed wages

Five months on from the World Cup final, migrant workers continue to report exploitative labor practices and mistreatment at the hands of Qatari authorities. Three former security guards have been jailed in Qatar for four months following their repeated requests for unpaid wages from their employer, Stark Security Services. Though lauded by FIFA as an opportunity to improve Qatar’s treatment of migrant workers, workers who toiled to make the world’s

| Friday May 26, 2023

Read more