A pay dispute could see thousands of electricians down tools across Ireland today.

Some construction projects are expected to be ground to a halt, after last ditch talks between unions and bosses failed to reach agreement at the weekend.

It is believed around 11,000 sparks could take industrial action, affecting projects such as Dublin Airport's Terminal 2 and the new Lansdowne Road Stadium works.

According to the Technical Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU), workers are owed as much as an 11% pay rise from three years ago.

The union said this money has never been paid, a claim employers have disputed.

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They are demanding a 10% cut in wages.

General workers' unions Siptu has said it may also back an all-out picket.

Siptu general president Jack O'Connor said: "Ultimately the electricians must be supported by all workers because the employers' objective of cutting pay and tearing up agreements reflects the primary aim of the wealthy elite in our society, which is, above all else, to preserve their own assets and privileged position."

TEEU general secretary designate Eamon Devoy said other unions have also indicated they may support the strike.

"People are realising that if the electrical contractors get away with tearing up the Registered Employment Agreement for our sector the same can happen in other industries," he said.

Chris Lundy, executive secretary of the Association of Electrical Contractors, dismissed suggestions that bosses would not speak with unions as "absolute rubbish".

Firms were willing to look at the pay claims but there were many other issues and a "major inability" to up wages in the present economic circumstances, he insisted.

(PR/JM)