Regulator cites resignations, low pay and LUMA hiring as obstacles to enforcement

The head of the transportation regulatory office told senators on June 4 that staff shortages and low salary scales are hampering enforcement of new rules.

“Hace unos años atrás hubo una academia de cerca de veinte y de esos nos quedan básicamente seis personas... Se han abierto convocatorias y han llegado nadie,” Jaime Alafuente González said, describing recent resignations and recruitment difficulties. He told the Comisión that the agency currently employs about 40 workers and had received four resignations in one day after private‑sector offers.

Alafuente said salaries for some positions fall in ranges such as $1,200–$1,400 and that competing offers from LUMA and other employers attract trained personnel. To address capacity gaps the office requested 20 new positions: 16 enforcement agents and four administrative staff, plus resources for vehicles, equipment and training.

Senators pressed for options to retain staff including salary adjustments, and urged the agency’s supervisors and legislators to coordinate on budgetary steps to preserve institutional capacity. “Usted dijo que mil doscientos o mil trescientos,” a senator said while urging wage improvements to retain experienced employees.

The agency acknowledged the recruitment problem and said it expects to include new hires in the next fiscal budget and to coordinate with the Junta de Supervisión Fiscal on any funding or salary changes. No formal personnel or budget actions were approved during the hearing; senators asked for written proposals on measures the agency recommends to improve staffing and enforcement capacity.