Fórsa is to ballot its members in health service employments in the community and voluntary sector (Section 39, 56, and 10 organisations), on the terms of a pay deal finalised last week at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). 

In a communication to members, Fórsa’s head of Health and Welfare, Ashley Connolly, said the new proposed pay agreement was achieved following months of ‘challenging’ negotiations, and that the terms build on the terms of the October 2023 agreement. The agreement comes after more than ten years of campaigning for better pay and conditions for workers in the community and voluntary sector. 

The agreement acknowledges that the pay of some workers in the community and voluntary organisations has fallen behind equivalent grades in public sector organisations.  

She added: “This agreement allows for future pay increases, and funding 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. 

The issue of pay in the community and voluntary sector took on increased prominence during last year’s general election campaign however it has been a long running union campaign.  

Ashley thanked members for their commitment to a long process, underlining that that the work of achieving the provisions in the pay agreement had been ongoing for close to ten years. She said: “Without your persistence we would not be where we are. This agreement will significantly increase pay in the sector now, and in the future. 

“The community and voluntary sector is essential to the provision of vital public services, without which the most vulnerable people in our society would suffer hugely. Our members who work providing these services deserve fair pay,” she emphasised. 

The union’s health & welfare divisional executive - comprised of senior elected workplace representatives - met last week and made the decision to issue a ballot with a recommendation to members for a vote in favour the terms of the new deal. Preparations for a ballot will get underway in the coming days. 

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