The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued a draft decision today proposing to authorise* collective bargaining arrangements sought by the TAB Agents' Association (NSW), ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said today.
The TAB Agents' Association has sought to bargain collectively on behalf of member agents with TAB Limited over the terms and conditions of the provision of services by members to TAB Limited.
"The ACCC sees a benefit in allowing TAB agents in New South Wales, most of which are small businesses, to collectively bargain with TAB", he said. "This benefit flows from allowing and encouraging the TAB agents and TAB to talk which may lead to the most effective terms and conditions, allowing TAB agents to achieve some equality in negotiations and have greater input into contracts.
"Additionally, the ACCC considers that TAB agents are likely to pass on, at least some, of the benefits of any more favourable deal negotiated with TAB as a result of bargaining collectively to consumers, while the prices at which wagering services are provided to consumers is regulated by government legislation, the ACCC considers that TAB agents do compete on service levels with respect to the provision of these services.
"The ACCC considers that any detriment that may follow from the proposed collective bargaining arrangements to be negligible. In particular, the arrangements will not affect the price of wagering services to the public because these prices are regulated by government legislation".
In proposing to grant authorisation for a period of five years, the ACCC notes that it in no way compels TAB agents or TAB Limited to participate in the collective bargaining process proposed by the TAB Agents’ Association.
The ACCC will consult on its draft decision before making a final decision in the future. Parties wishing to make a submission to the ACCC on this issue should contact the ACCC for further details.