Trade unions have warned that an EU directive aimed at promoting the free movement of services across member states could drive down wages and conditions for Irish workers.
At a conference in Dublin organised by Labour MEP Proinsias de Rossa, trade unionists warned that the directive would lead to more Irish Ferries type situations.
The Socialist and other groupings in the European Parliament are proposing changes to the directive to secure the rights of workers in member states.
Meanwhile, the Irish Exporters Association has urged the trade union movement not to inflict further damage on the manufacturing export sector by proceeding with a national day of protest on Friday.
The group said that by Thursday, the dispute will have reached a 'critical' two-week period, where stocks will have been eroded and supply chains extended to breaking point.
