The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is proposing to grant authorisation allowing truck owner-drivers in Queensland, who are providing concrete cartage services, to collectively bargain with Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd.
On 22 August 2012, the Transport Workers Union (Queensland Branch) sought authorisation on behalf of existing and future owner drivers working for Hanson Construction Materials, for the drivers to engage in voluntary collective bargaining.
"The collective bargaining arrangements are likely to result in transaction cost savings and provide the opportunity for increased owner driver input into contracts," ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.
In September the ACCC granted conditional interim authorisation allowing the parties to commence, but not conclude, negotiations until the ACCC makes its final determination.
Authorisation provides statutory protection from court action for conduct that might otherwise raise concerns under the competition provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Broadly, the ACCC may grant an authorisation when it is satisfied that the public benefit from the conduct outweighs any public detriment.
The ACCC is now seeking submissions on the draft determination.
More information about the application for authorisation, including a copy of the ACCC's draft determination and public submissions, is available at www.accc.gov.au/AuthorisationsRegister.