The collective bargaining notification process was introduced on 1 January 2007.
Notification is a process under which parties proposing to engage in collective bargaining conduct may obtain immunity from legal action under the Trade Practices Act if the conduct is in the public interest.
Any party to a collective bargaining arrangement can lodge a notification and can lodge a notification on behalf of other businesses that will be party to the arrangement. Collective bargaining notifications may also be lodged by a nominated representative who is not a member of the collective bargaining group. For example, an industry association may lodge a notification on behalf of its members.
Collective bargaining notifications during November
Australian Medical Association (Vic) Pty Ltd (CB00004)
The AMA Victoria, on behalf of 39 doctors, proposes to collectively negotiate terms and conditions regarding pricing, rostering, provision of out-of-hours service and other conditions of engagement with the target hospital, Latrobe Regional Hospital.
A draft objection notice was issued on 12 October 2007. The ACCC has sought submissions on the draft notice and the matter is under consideration.
Australian Medical Association (Vic) Pty Ltd (CB00005)
The AMA Victoria, on behalf of 26 doctors, proposed to collectively negotiate terms and conditions regarding pricing, rostering, provision of out-of-hours service and other conditions of engagement with the target hospital, Werribee Mercy Hospital.
A draft objection notice was issued on 8 November 2007 and, on 26 November 2007, the AMA Victoria withdrew the notification.
Wangaratta Anaesthetic Group (CB00006)
A group of anaesthetists that are members of the Wangaratta Anaesthetic Group, propose to collectively negotiate with HBA regarding anaesthesia fees. Specifically, the group propose to collectively negotiate a value above the scheduled fee for the provision of no-gap billing to members of the HBA fund.
The ACCC has consulted interested parties and the notification is under consideration.
