There are almost 10 million domestic workers in Europe working in private homes or others. Though representing a huge and vital workforce, their economic and social contribution has often been denied and they are longing for recognition. Although domestic workers are finally enjoying more social rights, trade unions have a key role to play to achieve improved working conditions for domestic workers within and across borders. Since the EFFAT Congress in November 2019, EFFAT engagement towards domestic workers has been enshrined in the new EFFAT Statutes, the EFFAT Political Framework 2020-2024, and the EFFAT Action Plan 2020-2021. The first assembly for domestic workers took place in December 2020. The sector’s leadership will be elected in May 2021.
On International Domestic Workers Day, EFFAT celebrates and honours all domestic workers across Europe and around the world. Every day, domestic workers provide essential care and household services to families, children, older persons, and people with disabilities....
Today at the European Parliament, EFFAT contributed to the debate on Decent Work for All: Advancing the Rights of Domestic Workers in the EU, ahead of the upcoming own-initiative report to be led by MEP Catarina Martins (The Left). Domestic work is a cornerstone of...
Brussels, 8 March 2026 – On International Women's Day, EFFAT reaffirms a simple message: gender equality is not a slogan. It is a collective bargaining priority, a workplace right, and a trade union responsibility. EFFAT knows it well. Through the recent campaign...
Amsterdam, 17 November 2025: Today, at a high-level event in Amsterdam, EFFAT officially launched the Guiding Framework for the Recognition and Regulation of Domestic Work, a landmark tool designed to formalise the sector, ensure decent working conditions, and grant...
Brussels, 14 November 2025 – Today, Spain makes history by enforcing mandatory workplace risk assessments for domestic workers in private homes, a landmark step toward dignity, safety, and fairness in a sector long excluded from basic protections. Under Royal Decree...
Brussels, 7 April 2025 Introduction The Personal and Household Services (PHS) social partners – EFFE, EFSI, EFFAT and UNI Europa – have come together in the context of the publication of the EU Roadmap for Women’s Rights to advocate that stronger PHS sectors and...
Brussels, 26 March 2025 - European Care Advocacy Alliance In December 2022, the EU took a decisive step towards addressing the long-term care crisis, a critical issue that will determine the quality of life of a growing part of its population. It adopted the Council...
The EU Court of Justice has ruled that domestic employers must implement a system to measure daily working hours, ensuring compliance with Directive 2003/88 on working time. This decision aims to protect workers by allowing them to reliably track their hours and...
On the eve of the 6th EFFAT Congress, a pivotal side event brought together a diverse and engaged audience, sparking vital discussions on the pressing challenges women face across the EFFAT sectors of food, agriculture, tourism, and domestic work. The event featured a...
Joint Statement – Action to Address Labour and Skills Shortages Brussels, October 2024 The European Personal and Household Services (PHS) sector faces a growing labour and skills crisis, worsened by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and Europe’s ageing population....
