The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has said pay increases secured in the partnership agreement are in danger of partial erosion by rising prices.
In its pre-Budget submission, the congress called on the Government to curb what it called 'inflationary practices and policies', particularly in the energy sector.
ICTU General Secretary David Begg blamed Government policy for rising gas and electricity prices and called for measures in the Budget to address them.
ICTU has also called for a range of taxation measures to support the income increases in Towards 2016, including raising employee tax credits by €350.
It also proposes that the standard rate tax band be increased by €5,000 a year.
On childcare, Mr Begg said an economy which was so dependent on a strong workforce would come at a price. ICTU is demanding longer maternity leave, paid parental leave and improved access to childcare.
It has also called for a range of measures on pensions, including steps to guard against the 'wholesale abandonment' of pensions by some employers.
