We Move the World

On 9 June 2022, Spain’s Congress of Deputies approved the ratification of Convention 189 in relation to decent employment for domestic workers, advocated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). This significant victory was the outcome of years of struggle and the organisation of workers, who finally witnessed a commitment from the Spanish State to address their labour demands and acknowledge their work. Nevertheless, this road is not at its end and this commitment must materialise in the development of legislation and public policies related to care.

In the same vein of the struggle to improve labour conditions, the Kellys have spent years making the realities they face visible and calling for changes. Within the field of occupational health, they have obtained significant advances in gaining recognition for illnesses such as carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis and epicondylitis, or “tennis elbow”, ailments associated with the repetitive movement of the arms and hands demanded by day-to-day work.

Within this context, the encounter here prolongs this struggle, fostering alliances between different collectives of female workers in the field of domestic work and care, cleaning, nursing, hotel cleaning — many of whom are migrants and racialised — who are responsible for caring for life. Together, these women seek to open a social dialogue on the need to recognise professional illnesses and occupational health in care-related and cleaning sectors. These jobs are still socially undervalued, which translates into widespread precarity: low salaries, limited health and safety prevention at work and no recognition for illnesses or the repercussions associated with such positions, for instance respiratory problems owing to contact with toxic products, physical injuries, chronic pain, among other health issues, which hinder access to dignified benefits that ensure adequate living conditions.  

The encounter gets under way with a round-table discussion and presentation, where the different collectives of the participating female workers share their reflections, evaluations and analyses, as well as specific proposals to improve labour conditions and health, from social struggle and strategies of happiness. It culminates in a performance by Territorio Doméstico and a concert by the singer Ro Tirita, accompanied by the guitar of La Tomi, with both performing songs from the band Sudor Marika and other cumbias to dance to.

Participants