Sant Julià de Lòria Boosts Traffic Agent Pay by 10% to €1,800

Sant Julià de Lòria council has increased gross monthly pay for traffic auxiliary agents in their probationary period to €1,800—a €200 rise from €1,600, representing a 10% boost for entry-level roles—as part of broader reforms to retain staff and fill vacancies in the traffic service.

The changes, approved Thursday by the Desperta Laurèdia majority against opposition from two former consuls now in the minority, update internal regulations, departmental schedules, and compensation structures. Key measures include a 37-hour workweek with continuous daily shifts, monthly guard schedules released by the 15th, a new night-shift supplement for nine-hour duties, and simplified entry requirements aligned with the 2023 Agents Law—removing maximum age limits and requiring only a driving permit plus B1 Catalan for access (B2 for appointment). A new civic inspector position will monitor traffic compliance, public safety, and cleanliness.

Cònsol Major Cerni Cairat attributed past challenges to a "lack of foresight on pre-retirements," stating the reforms modernize regulations, salary scales, and staffing to rebuild the department. Traffic Councillor Cristian Mayoralas noted staffing shortages have affected daily operations, adding that simplified access and shift planning will aid recruitment in a growing parish. Higher command roles receive smaller increases to make positions competitive.

The service currently employs 20 agents, down from 29 a decade ago amid parish expansion. With two pre-retirements due in 2026, the council recently hired one and plans three more next year, aiming progressively to near prior levels. Average staff age is 49, driving wider recruitment: 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 adjustments raise this year's €6,574,720 personnel budget by €69,229 (1.05%), with combined changes pushing total increases to around 4.75%. Officials anticipate better productivity, work-life balance, and service amid Andorra's public-sector talent drain versus private-sector competition.

The session also approved 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 improvements; and passed the 2026 budget at €24,086,164.28. Minority voices urged restraint on administrative fixed costs amid slowing construction and communal revenues.