Gillard slams Telstra

The acting Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, has accused Telstra of exploiting the old law's provisions in refusing to negotiate with the unions.

Ms Gillard has told ABC1's Insiders program that Telstra should keep in mind that Australians voted against WorkChoices at the last election.

"I don't think it's in anyone's interest, whether it be Telstra or anybody else, to be continuously associated with WorkChoices," she said.

"I don't think it's in Telstra's interests to be seen to be the company that is still trying to implement WorkChoices."

"In a democracy if people want to be a member of a union, then the union's got a right to represent them, and companies . . . should recognise that."

About 21,000 workers are employed on AWAs that will stay in place up to 2012, well into any second term of a Labor government. Telstra is now considering allowing these workers to stay on AWAs indefinitely, employing them on expired contracts that provide for an annual pay rise.

Ms Gillard said the Government's new laws would be clear and transparent. "It will certainly say to Telstra and to other companies that if a majority of the employees want to try collectively bargaining, then the employer has to join them at the bargaining table and have a go at it in good faith," she said.

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