Tánaiste Mary Coughlan has launched an investigation into the electricians' industry.
The move follows the rejection by a large group of contractors of a Labour Court recommendation for a staged 4.9% pay rise for electricians.
Around 10,000 electricians went on strike earlier this month following the dispute.
The Association of Electrical Contractors says it cannot afford any increase despite the fact that the Electrical Contractors Association had accepted the recommendation.