An open letter to the Workers’ Party

This is notification that I am to boycott the Workers’ Party’s national conference – Workers’ Resistance – being held in Wellington over Queen’s Birthday weekend.

Conference posters advertise that I will address this conference in my role as President of the Wellington Branch of the Tramways Union, about last years’ lockout of bus drivers by Go Wellington management.

Not only will I not be doing this, but I will discourage any other member of my union speak at this event.

This boycott is in protest to the disgraceful action taken by the Workers’ Party against long serving Party member Jasmine Freemantle. Last week the Workers’ Party expelled Jasmine Freemantle for actions in her current role as President of the Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA).

Jasmine’s account of her expulsion can be found at:
http://expelledfromworkersparty.blogspot.com

I am willing to reconsider the boycott of Workers Resistance, but only if the following occur:

a) The Workers Party overturn their decision to expel Jasmine from the Party,

b) The Steering Group of the Workers Party issues a public statement of apology for the disgraceful way they have treated her.

The Workers’ Party’s expulsion of Freemantle demonstrates the lack of political seriousness of the Party, and that in its current form is not fit to lead workers’ struggles. I hope the Party seriously reconsiders this poor decision.

Nick Kelly

2008-09 President, Wellington Branch of the Tramways Union
2008 Worker’s Party General Election List Candidate
2007 Workers’ Party Mayoral Candidate
2006-09 Organiser, Wellington Branch of the Workers’ Party
2006 President, Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association
2004 Workers’ Party Mayoral Candidate

ENDS

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