The country's largest craft union is meeting this weekend to discuss water charges, the pension levy, the Universal Social Charge and private sector pay.
The TEEU, which represents over 40,000 members, is holding its biennial conference in Kilkenny.
The Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton will address delegates tomorrow on issues including the Workplace Relations Bill, sick pay and pension schemes.
The conference, which opens this morning, will also discuss JobBridge and how to restore pay and conditions to pre-austerity levels.