- Workers Party Media Release, 6.10.08

Anti-capitalist group the Workers Party will be contesting the party list vote for the first time in the upcoming general election, after having its application to register with the Electoral Commission approved last Friday.

"Unlike all the other parties standing in these elections we aren't basing our policies on what is realistic or affordable under the
current economic system," says Workers Party national organiser Tim Bowron. "We believe that since workers create all the wealth in
society they - and not corporate CEOs or capitalist politicians - should be running the country."

The Workers Party is running on a platform that includes the the repeal of all laws which restrict workers' freedom of speech and
political activity (including the anti-strike provisions of Labour's Employment Relations Act as well as the Electoral Finance Act), a
shorter working week without loss of pay and the nationalisation (under workers' control) of all businesses in which job losses are threatened.

The party contested both the 2002 and 2005 elections as the Anti-Capitalist Alliance, but only stood candidates in individual electorate seats.

"2008 marks the first time in New Zealand history that an openly anti-capitalist, revolutionary political party will be on the ballot
paper in every part of the country," says Mr Bowron. "We have no illusions that the sorts of pro-worker policies that we are
campaigning for can be won through parliamentary reform, but if any of our candidates are elected they will use their positions to support
the movement out in the streets and on the picket line."

"All of our candidates if elected are pledged to accept only the average workers' wage (around $15 an hour) and donate the rest to a fighting fund that supports workers in struggle."

The Workers Party has already announced it is standing candidates in the Manukau East, Wellington Central, Christchurch Central and
Christchurch East electorates. It will release its party list in the next few days.

ENDS

for more information about our candidates and policies go to our website:

http://www.workersparty.org.nz

© Scoop Media