Strong support for the proposed new partnership agreement was expressed yesterday by Siptu activists, at a special conference called to debate the deal.
The conference was followed by a meeting of the union's national executive, which is today expected to recommend acceptance of the 10-year agreement, "Towards 2016".
Siptu members across the State will be balloted on the deal over the next five weeks, in advance of an Irish Congress of Trade Unions conference to decide on ratification on September 5th.
The mood of yesterday's conference suggests the agreement will be strongly backed by Siptu, the State's largest union.
The national executive of the Communications Workers' Union also decided yesterday to recommend acceptance of the agreement. Its members will be balloted over the next four weeks.
"Towards 2016" proposes a cumulative 10.4 per cent pay increase for workers, in four phases, over 27 months. The 140-page document, negotiated by the Government and the social partners, also sets out 10-year targets in the areas of social provision and macroeconomic policy.
Speakers at yesterday's Siptu conference, however, expressed particular satisfaction with measures aimed at upholding employment standards and combating exploitation.
Cork north branch delegate Martin Conlon said the plan to treble the number of labour inspectors to 90 was a "big win" for trade unions.
Galway delegate Michael Hughes said it was the view of his branch that the deal was a good one. The employment standards measures would not have been secured outside social partnership.
Several speakers also said that most workers would not achieve as good a pay deal in the event of a return to free collective bargaining.
Of 31 branch representatives who spoke at the conference in Jury's Hotel, Dublin, 24 expressed support for the agreement, while six opposed the deal, with one undecided.
Opposing the agreement, education branch delegate Kieran Allen said the pay increase worked out at 4 per cent per annum, which was roughly the rate of inflation.
Siptu president Jack O'Connor, responding to the debate, said none of those who had opposed the agreement had suggested a better alternative.
