The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will allow a collective bargaining arrangement between a group of community stores in the remote Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in the far northwest of South Australia.
The Mai Wiru Stores Group will collectively negotiate terms and conditions with suppliers of essential grocery and supermarket items.
“The ACCC considers the arrangements will help facilitate the reliable supply of essential groceries, which will have a positive effect upon the health and wellbeing of the members of remote indigenous communities in the APY Lands,” ACCC chairman Rod Sims said.
Collective bargaining refers to two or more competitors, typically small businesses, collectively negotiating terms and conditions with a supplier or customer.
The ACCC may approve a collective bargaining notification when it is satisfied that the public benefits outweigh the public detriments. However, the ACCC may review this notification at any time.
Protection afforded by this notification commenced on 21 September 2011 and expires in three years.