The Government of Spain, which previously ratified the Domestic Workers Convention of 2011 (No. 189), has taken a significant step forward by approving a Royal Decree that advances the rights of domestic workers. This new regulation ensures that domestic workers in family households have the right to information, training, and participation in occupational safety and health matters. It also includes provisions for monitoring their health status and allows for the cessation of activity in case of serious and imminent danger.
Spain joins a growing list of European countries that have enforced the Convention, including Belgium, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, and Switzerland. However, many European countries have yet to ratify C189 or the Violence and Harassment Convention of 2019 (No. 190).
On a positive note, ILO Convention C190 is gaining traction in Europe. Austria recently became the 45th Member State to ratify the Convention, with 18 European countries, including 13 EU Member States, now on board. While not all these countries have enforced the Convention yet, plans are in place: Norway and North Macedonia will enforce it in October 2024, and in Portugal, Moldova, Denmark, Finland, and Romania, it will come into effect in February, March, and June, respectively.