Sant Julià de Lòria Boosts Traffic Agent Salaries 10% to Tackle Shortages

Sant Julià de Lòria council has approved salary increases for traffic auxiliary agents in their probationary period, raising gross monthly pay from €1,600 to €1,800—a 10% boost for entry-level roles—alongside reforms to working conditions and hiring rules aimed at addressing shortages in the traffic service.

The measures, passed Thursday by the Desperta Laurèdia majority over opposition from two former consuls in the minority, revise internal regulations, departmental schedules, and compensation frameworks. They introduce a 37-hour workweek with continuous daily shifts, monthly guard schedules published by the 15th, a new night-shift supplement for nine-hour duties, and simplified entry criteria under the 2023 Agents Law: a driving permit and B1 Catalan for access (B2 for appointment), with maximum age limits removed. A new civic inspector role will oversee traffic compliance, public safety, and cleanliness.

Cònsol Major Cerni Cairat cited a "lack of foresight on pre-retirements" as a key past issue, explaining the changes modernize regulations, salary scales, and staffing to rebuild the department amid competition from the private sector and other administrations. Traffic Councillor Cristian Mayoralas said shortages have disrupted daily operations, adding that better access and planning will support recruitment in an expanding parish. Higher command positions receive smaller raises to enhance competitiveness.

The service now has 20 agents, down from 29 a decade ago despite parish growth. With two pre-retirements set for 2026, the council recently hired one agent and plans three more this year, targeting gradual recovery toward prior levels—around 25 agents ideally. Average staff age stands at 49, prompting wider hiring efforts: a cultural buildings head, Centre Cultural Lauredià coordinator, maintenance worker, cook, urban planning head, and cadastre coordinator, adding €242,959 annually—under 3.7% of personnel spending.

These reforms increase this year's €6,574,720 personnel budget by €69,229 (1.05%), with combined changes lifting total rises to about 4.75%. Officials expect gains in productivity, work-life balance, and service quality amid Andorra's public-sector talent challenges.

The session also greenlit a €2.17 million, 10-year loan to Camprabassa for Naturland's short-term debt; raised the Cullera de Lòria elderly menu from €6.80 to €7.80 for quality upgrades; and approved the 2026 budget at €24,086,164.28. The minority called for tighter control on administrative fixed costs amid slowing construction and communal revenues.