The final outstanding pay increase under the 2025 agreement for community and voluntary workers will take effect from 1 October 2026, with unions continuing to press for funding to reach employers in time for prompt payment.

One remaining pay increase is due to members working in the community and voluntary sector under the agreement reached in 2025. This 2% pay increase will apply from 1 October 2026. Unions have continued to emphasise the importance of timely payment of raises, with funding delivered to relevant organisations one month in advance. 

Unions are to be provided with the results from the data gathering exercise that was outlined in the agreement in August. There will be further WRC engagement in August on the results of the data gathering exercise and a Joint Implementation group meeting in September.

Fórsa official Louise O’Hara said: “The progress we have made in securing improved pay arrangements for workers in the community and voluntary sector has been achieved through collective action and the strength of union members standing together.”

Louise reminded members that the 2025 agreement gives clear indication as to how future pay agreements for the public service will impact workers in the community and voluntary sector. 

The agreement  states that funding to Section 39, 56, 10 and 40 organisations, will be adjusted “to allow for application of equivalent general round pay adjustments, as provided for in any successor agreements to the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026,” and that the adjustment will be “in line with the phasing of any future public sector pay agreements. In line with the approach to the PSA, funding would be made available through the annual Budget process."

Speaking to this point Louise said: “While our general secretary, Kevin Callinan, has warned that there is currently "no basis" for public sector pay talks, it’s clear that whatever agreement might be reached, the same terms will be applied to workers in the community and voluntary sector through automatic adjustments to funding for service providers."

Urging members to get more involved in the next phase of the campaign, Louise concluded by saying: “There are many ways to get involved, whether by attending union meetings, participating in workplace campaigns, becoming a workplace representative, or simply encouraging colleagues to join the union. Every member who takes part strengthens our ability to protect and improve pay, conditions and services.”

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.