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).