Water charge protests "are a reflection of the level of anger over growing inequality in Ireland", according to the Technical Engineering and Electrical Union.
That is the message from the TEEU at their annual conference this weekend which represents 40,000 workers in both the public and private sectors.
They are demanding a 5% pay increase for all their members, as well as a recoup of all concessions made over the last seven years on issues including pensions and working conditions.
General Secretary Eamon Devoy described the mood at this weekend's conference in Kilkenny: "It's very determined to do something about the situation. They've had enough for long enough.
"As far as they are concerned now, they want to ensure that where workers have lost their terms and conditions, they want to have them restored.
"They are determined that this water issue should be abolished."