The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission proposes to allow truck owner drivers in Queensland to bargain as a group with car carrier CEVA over contract terms, with Transport Workers' Union assistance.
CEVA Logistics transports vehicles for businesses, such as car makers, and individuals. Its Queensland operations engage truck owner drivers, with most of these being TWU members.
Last month the ACCC granted interim authorisation allowing the parties to start preliminary discussions while the ACCC considers the application further.
"The ACCC considers that collective bargaining can result in productive contractual discussions," acting ACCC chairman Michael Schaper said.
"Having a single negotiation process rather than individual talks can also save time and money," Dr Schaper said.
The ACCC now seeks comment on the draft determination to let the drivers bargain together, for five years. The draft determination will be available from the ACCC's website at www.accc.gov.au/AuthorisationsRegister
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.