The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has described the 20% US tariffs as severe and unwarranted.
ICTU is calling for the introduction of measures, such as short-time work schemes, to protect jobs, workers' incomes and skills in vulnerable but viable business.
It is urging the Government to set up several sectoral industry taskforces with union and employer representation, along with industry expertise and the relevant state agencies, not only to manage the disruption but also to build a more sustainable future for impacted industries.
"As a trade union movement, we are very concerned about the impact on jobs and investment," said ICTU General Secretary Owen Reidy.
"We are also concerned about Ireland's fiscal position and the knock-on risks for the state's capacity deal with the challenge of a growing and aging population and building the public services required."
"Government need to set up several sectoral industry taskforces with union and employer representation along with industry expertise and the relevant state agencies not only to manage this disruption but also to build a more sustainable future for these industries," Mr Reidy said.
SIPTU, the country's largest trade union, has called on the Government to act quickly to alleviate the impact of the US tariffs on the productive economy and jobs.
It is seeking measures including sectoral taskforces, wage subsidy programmes, supports for companies to diversify into new markets and consideration of shortened working week initiatives.
"Our approach in Ireland to the shift in US economic policy towards protectionism must be considered but swift," said SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Greg Ennis.
"While what we are witnessing is momentous change, we must seek to control what we can in terms of the multinational and domestic enterprise sectors," Mr Ennis said.
