Spain Takes Significant Steps Toward Pay Equality

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Achieving pay equity for work of equal value necessarily involves considering all the factors that contribute to the gender pay gap, such as unequal distribution of domestic responsibilities, the underrepresentation of women in decision-making bodies, and the high prevalence of women in informal and unpaid work, among others. In addition to addressing purely wage-related issues (such as minimum wage levels and pay transparency), this approach creates a holistic framework in the fight for pay equality.

We would like to share one of the most significant and recent achievements in the area of pay equality in Spain: Royal Decree-Law 16/2022 of September 6, aimed at improving working conditions and Social Security coverage for domestic workers. This decree-law continues the efforts to align the working conditions and Social Security benefits of domestic workers with those of other employees, addressing both their social protection and their working conditions. The regulation eliminates disparities that not only lack justification but also place this group of workers at a distinct disadvantage, which may be discriminatory.

Here is the link to Royal Decree-Law 16/2022 of September 6, for the improvement of working conditions and Social Security coverage for domestic workers.