General Secretary of SIPTU, Joe Cunningham, has warned that competition between wages and profits will become even fiercer amid slowing economic growth.
Addressing the union's Biennial National Delegate Conference in Galway, Mr Cunningham said the future is one of increasing uncertainties due to climate change, technological disruption through artificial intelligence and automation, ageing demographics, the rise of the Far Right and geo-political instability.
"With the economy slowing down, the competition between wages and profits will become even fiercer," Mr Cunningham told delegates.
He called for a new economic model that puts workers at the centre of sustainable growth.
"The foundation of this new model is workers' right to bargain collectively in the workplace," Mr Cunningham said.
"Collective bargaining not only boosts wages, especially for the low-paid and women, it boosts productivity, solves workplace problems and maximises innovation potential," he added.
Around 340 delegates are gathering in Galway for SIPTU's Biennial National Delegate Conference.
Over the course of four days this week they will debate around 50 motions on topics including pay, the rising cost-of-living, housing and Palestine.
Other issues to be discussed by delegates include remote working, precarious employment, climate change, healthcare, pensions and statutory redundancy entitlements.
There are also expected to be calls for a new public sector pay deal.
Last month, SIPTU's local authority sector committee threatened industrial action unless the Government engages as a matter of urgency on a new public service agreement.
The current deal, Building Momentum, expires at the end of the year.
In his address, Mr Cunningham welcomed the Government’s intention to increase the minimum wage to 60 percent of the median wage.
"This will see double-digit increases in the years ahead. And when we achieve this, we will drive the statutory floor higher so that we can once and for all abolish low-pay," he said.
He also called for greater access to public services and housing.
Mr Cunningham said SIPTU rejects claims that Irish neutrality is no longer relevant as it supports billions of people who are oppressed by poverty, lack of water, lack of education and lack of healthcare.
"The Israeli-Palestinian conflict shows how Irish neutrality can act as a force for peace and justice," Mr Cunningham said.
"Irish neutrality calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of the hostages, and for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza," he added.
