The President of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions says she believes collective bargaining legislation is being delayed deliberately.
In a speech in Kerry today Patricia King said the talks over the new rules between Government, unions and businesses have reached a point where heads of the bill could be published.
The legislation would give workers the right to negotiate wages and other conditions through an organised group of employees.
But speaking to Radio Kerry Ms King claims that is not happening because of outside pressure:
The ICTU president is also calling for new legislation to prevent a repeat of the dispute at Dunnes Stores.
Members of Mandate are in dispute with the retailer over their 15 hour contracts - last month 6,000 members of staff took part in a one day strike.
Patricia King says an additional mechanism in an act already in place would provide a simple solution for workers at companies like Dunnes Stores.
The company has not responded to Labour Court recommendations. Patricia King outlined her suggested mechanism to Radio Kerry:
