European Union employment and social policy ministers begin a two-day meeting in Galway today as part of Ireland's EU presidency.
Ministers will hear from trade unions, community groups, and representatives of employers organisations.
Unions are expected to call for stronger action to protect workers' rights and resist Europe-wide moves towards greater privatisation while employer representatives, including IBEC, will insist that greater employment flexibility is necessary.
Employer representatives will warn that greater labour market flexibility is essential if the EU's competitiveness is to be is be maintained.
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Gardai have mounted a major security operation for the meeting.