SIPTU will debate motions concerning the party's affiliation with the Labour Party, and how to spend its political fund, today.

Its biennial conference is taking place in Cork until Thursday, and will see more than 350 delegates attend the four days of discussions.

The union is the country's largest and represents approximately 200,000 workers.

The resolution to break with Labour Party is being proposed by the 7,000 strong education sector.

Proposer of the motion is Kieran Allen, the chair of the UCD section committee.

"Our members do not want an exclusive tie up with the Labour Party. They have gone back on too many promises and have used their period in office to promote austerity", he said.

"The Labour Party has presided over water charges, attacks on lone parents, the sell-off of the government’s stake Aer Lingus, the introduction of emergency legislation to cut wages of public sector staff".

"It makes no sense for a union which opposes austerity to be tied to a party which defends and promotes it", he added.

The conference will also debate motions on the economy, the housing crisis, health, pensions, public transport and international issues among others.

The president of SIPTU, Jack O'Connor, told Newstalk Breakfast he aligns himself with Labour - but they need to align themselves with others.