The trade union SIPTU is concerned that immigrant workers who enter the State from other EU countries to "help maintain the momentum of the Celtic Tiger" may end up being exploited.
The South-East Regional Committee of the union warned that these workers could be used by "unscrupulous employers" to undermine pay and terms of employment in Ireland.
After meeting in Waterford it called for the establishment of an Immigrant Workers Rights Section at the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment to police against exploitation.
It also urged that immigrant workers be employed under the same pay and conditions as those who were trade union members and asked that the authorities assume responsibility for encouraging immigrant workers to join trade unions.
Mr Jack O'Connor, SIPTU South East and Midlands Regional Secretary, said there were already indications of gross exploitation of workers from other EU countries in some industries in Ireland.
"This situation will be exacerbated unless we . . . ensure that workers from outside the EU receive proper respect and treatment," he said.