Pas de la Casa Businesses Fear Losing Seasonal Workers Amid Sales Drop

Marcelo Ponce, president of Argentinos en Andorra, has raised concerns that businesses in Pas de la Casa may struggle to retain all seasonal workers until the end of the winter campaign. Speaking to the Andorran News Agency, he highlighted fears over reduced staffing as revenues drop sharply.

The issue stems from a strong start to the season, with heavy snowfall boosting sales and leading companies to hire more staff than in previous years while increasing overtime hours. However, an avalanche that blocked the RN-20 road brought activity to a halt, leaving some employees in precarious positions. "It's a shame," Ponce said, noting that lower turnover could mean businesses need fewer hands: if one worker can manage a task, two may no longer be required.

Ponce emphasised that most affected workers are not leaving Andorra but seeking alternatives. Many have invested heavily in paperwork and travel costs to take up jobs here, making departure unlikely. Instead, cases have emerged of people relocating from Pas de la Casa to find work and housing in other parishes—a challenge compounded by the current accommodation shortage. "It's not about leaving, but reassessing their situation," he clarified.

He distinguished between two groups: Argentine workers at ski slopes and hotels remain unaffected for now, while those in retail shops face the brunt of declining sales. Ponce stressed these are initial perceptions, with no firm figures yet on potential job losses.

Katherine Barbosa, president of Colombianos en Andorra, said her group has no reports of similar issues among Colombians, as most live in the central valley and Encamp.

Government efforts to mitigate the impact, such as €30 fuel vouchers for drivers from Occitania, have seen over 200 issued by the Pas de la Casa tourist office on Saturday alone—worth more than €6,000. Yet local retailers report little boost in customers. Many said the measure has not increased footfall, with some shoppers unaware of it or unsure how to claim. Filling stations noted a slight uptick in refuelling, varying by location, but shopkeepers remain sceptical about its overall effect.