The Revenue and Customs Control Agency made 246 agents' promotions to top ranks in a discretionary move. Signed last Monday by director Andrés Vázquez, the decision benefited family members and political officials.
The measure waived merit and seniority criteria set in the collective agreement. Top positions receive up to six million pesos net per month, combining base pay and additional funds from the hierarchy pool.
Among those promoted was Nicolás Andrés Velis, moved to customs Group 3. He is the son of customs director José Andrés Velis and lacks a university degree. Yael Bialostozky, spokesperson for the Economy Ministry, was also elevated to the highest DGI rank.
The UPSAFIP union rejected the appointments in a statement. It accused management of favoring personal ties and violating the collective labor agreement. More than 4,300 workers have left the agency in recent years.
