The Stormont Assembly has voted in support of a unionist motion to provide a special pension provision for former part-time RUC police officers.
Sinn Féin spoke against the proposal citing the involvement of members of the Reserve in controversial killings during the troubles but the SDLP and the Alliance Party supported the Ulster Unionist motion.
Unionist MLAs have been pressing since 2001 for better provision for pensions for part-timers who worked unpaid overtime and were restricted to the bottom pay band regardless of how much experience they had.
The SDLP's Alex Attwood, who represents West Belfast, added: "Everybody is entitled to be treated equally whatever their employment status, part-time or otherwise.
"None of that takes away from the fact that the SDLP has grave reservations about the conduct of individuals and elements of the old RUC."
In proposing the motion, David McNarry (UUP, Strangford) said money had been spent on "keeping sweet" armed groups which could have been devoted to the security forces' pensions.
"There's no begging approach, no cap in hand or hand out mentality in this proposal but I hope I can reflect that there's dignity and integrity to be found in the patience and fortitude of the reservists," he said.
Formed in 1970 to provide temporary support for the regular RUC, the reservists were intended to reduce the number of overtime hours required. They were not contracted to work set hours, didn't have to report for duty and many worked elsewhere.
They would not have been eligible for an occupational pension scheme.