Streamlined collective bargaining for small business: more timely decisions/greater certainty of outcomes

The ACCC has for many years authorised small business collective bargaining arrangements—allowing bargaining groups to form in diverse industries ranging from chicken growing, dairy farming and vegetable growing to concrete carting, pay-television services and wagering.

The ACCC is now offering a simpler and more streamlined process for parties seeking authorisation of collective bargaining arrangements.

The streamlined process provides small business with more timely decisions and helps them to identify the types of proposals that are more likely to be authorised.

This publication has been updated to refer to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 which replaces the Trade Practices ACT 1974 on 1 January 2011.  For more information on the Australian Consumer Law changes see www.consumerlaw.gov.au