On the Corona Frontline: The Experiences of Care Workers in Spain

In Spain, already tough working conditions in the underfunded elder care sector, with low salary levels in all professional categories, as well as the high proportions of temporary and part-time contracts became worse during the pandemic. Lack of training, testing, and personal protective equipment, strenuous days and the refusal of time off led to physical and mental exhaustion. During the period of analysis, trade unions worked to improve conditions but found it difficult to get their demands accepted by the different institutions (both central and regional).

About the Authors

Jorge Hernández-Moreno is currently a doctoral researcher at the Institute of Public Goods and Policies (IPP-CSIC). He is participating in two competitively funded research projects on territorial governance of social policy, and has published several papers and book chapters on this topic.

Manuel Pereira-Puga holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of a Coruña (Spain). He works at the Institute of Public Goods and Policies (IPP-CSIC) and teaches Sociology at Carlos III University in Madrid. His research interests cover a range of topics related to research and development and higher education systems and policies, as well as to health and social policy.

Hernández-Moreno, Jorge; Pereira-Puga, Manuel