Little Says No To Goff On Cashing In Four Weeks Leave Labour

Party President Andrew Little is insisting four weeks annual leave is a core Labour policy and is incontestable.

Te Atatu MP Chris Carter has claimed in his now famous “anonymous” letter that Labour Leader Phil Goff “ in an unguarded media moment .. bucked the caucus and CTU position that the 4th week was not tradable for cash and essentially supported Key's position.”

Mr Carter was referring to comments made Mr Goff made on a Radio Sport farming show that he was relaxed about workers cashing in their fourth week’s leave.

But speaking on TV3’s “The Nation” today Mr. Little said there was no question that “when Labour is returned to Government next year the minimum annual leave entitlement will be four weeks.”

“There will be no tradability of the fourth week of annual leave,” he said.

Though Mr. Little dismissed Mr. Carter’s claims that Mr. Goff could not win the next election, he did not deny other claims made in the letter.

He said it had “become evident” in the last few days that MP George Hawkins could be challenged for the Manurewa nomination.

And the said there were other incumbents who might also face challenges.

Responding to Mr. Carter’s claim that the person challenging Mr. Hawkins was a staff member from Mr. Little’s own EPMU union, he said “they may be EPMU members”.

But he said the union had yet to approve any of its staff standing against Mr. Hawkins --- however they had time to do that since nominations do not close till September 1.

But he denied Mr. Carter’s allegations that the party was short of money.

“As the president of the party I get the monthly financial reports…I know what the state of the parties finances are in, they are very healthy.”

Mr Little said the party now had a range of options before it when it comes to dealing with Mr Carter at its Council meeting next weekend.

Mr Goff has asked that he expelled from the party.

Mr little agreed “the case is pretty much there.”

But he (Mr. Carter) is entitled to be heard and the New Zealand Council has a range of options, the worst of which is expulsion.”

To view the interview click here: http://www.3news.co.nz/Andrew-Little-310710/tabid/1356/articleID/168352/Default.aspx

ENDS

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