A series of national strikes is being planned by trade unions in response to employers' insistence on a pay pause for workers.
Private-sector unions say the "rolling strikes" will take place if IBEC, the employers' body, instructs its members to implement a pay freeze.
The strike strategy was drawn up at a meeting of the private sector committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on Monday. It would require ratification by the executive council of congress, which meets next Wednesday.
Committee members expressed particular concern at reports that IBEC had circulated members telling them to "hold the line" on a six-month pay pause.
A spokeswoman for IBEC confirmed last night that such a circular had been issued following the breakdown last month in talks on a new national pay deal.
"IBEC is simply implementing the mandate given to us by our members.
"This is something we have spoken to our members about, and they have made it clear they are looking for a six-month pay pause," she said.
The circular had "forcefully" pointed out the need to hold the line on such a pause, which was required to restore some of the competitiveness lost to Irish businesses in recent years.
A union source said contact would be made with IBEC to clarify the position.
If it was correct that employers were being told to maintain a common stance on a pay pause, plans for strike action throughout the private sector would proceed immediately. Initial one-day strikes would be followed by strikes lasting two days, the source said.
The ICTU committee is also advising private-sector unions to seek basic pay rises of 6 per cent to match the anticipated inflation rate.
Higher increases will be sought in companies which unions consider can afford to pay them. However, unions say they are also prepared to recognise that some companies may not be able to pay the basic 6 per cent.
"Ability to pay has always been part of the equation, even in national agreements, and it is accepted that some companies will have genuine difficulties," said the union source.
Moves to get talks on a possible national deal restarted intensified yesterday, although as yet no meetings have been scheduled.
