Employers have said that it is "hard to envisage" pay rises for workers before 2011 due to the current economic difficulties.
Arriving for talks at Government Buildings on an economic recovery plan, Ibec director general Turlough O'Sullivan said that for the foreseeable future he did not think anyone could contemplate increases in pay.
Mr O'Sullivan said it was hard to see any light at the end of the tunnel before 2011. He said that the national finances were clearly in a "precarious position" and that the social partners must come up with a credible plan, probably running over four to five years.
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) said that the priority had to be retention of jobs.
CIF director general Tom Parlon said that there had been a "massive loss" of jobs in construction but that the sector had the capacity to maintain and create employment.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has called off a planned national day of action this Monday pending the outcome of the social partnership negotiations and the mini-budget due on April 7th.