Fórsa is engaged in intensive negotiations following a Dublin City Council communication to staff about an incorrect PRSI classification.

Earlier this month, Fórsa met union members affected by Dublin City Council’s decision to reclassify staff who were promoted from general operative to officer position after 1995.

The outgoing head of the union’s Municipal Employees’ division, Dessie Robinson, said the informational meeting “was very well-attended.”

“We updated people on our discussions with the legal advisor, who looked at the contractual element, and also the Department of Social Protection’s conflicting opinions on the eligibility of staff to stay on a D Stamp,” he said.

The council’s had told general operatives who were subsequently promoted that they had been incorrectly classified at the time of their promotion. Usually, they would have remained on a Class A stamp.

The union has also met with council management, who confirmed that 130 staff were affected.

“They confirmed that their legal advice is that the council misinterpreted the classification, and they will have to pay a huge bill to the social welfare to pay the difference between the A and D stamp,” said Dessie.

Dessie said Fórsa reiterated its view that those affected could be washed out of the system and those who get promoted in the future will know what stamp they will be on from the beginning.

But he said management was hesitant about implementing this change, and the union is continuing discussions at local level.

“Arrangements are also being made for affected members to have consultations with our legal advisors,” said Dessie.