Interim authorisation granted to Transport Workers Union Qld Branch

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced it has granted conditional interim authorisation to allow the Transport Workers Union (Queensland Branch) to commence collective bargaining negotiations on behalf of concrete-truck owner-drivers contracted with Hanson in Queensland.

The TWU sought authorisation on 22 August, on behalf of existing and future owner-drivers working for Hanson Construction Materials, to allow the drivers to engage in voluntary collective bargaining with Hanson regarding the arrangements for the cartage of concrete.

The TWU also sought interim authorisation to start negotiations only, stating it did not propose to finalise any agreement until the ACCC has made a final determination. The interim authorisation the ACCC has granted will enable negotiations to commence but is conditional on the group not entering into any contracts, arrangements or understandings until the ACCC makes a final determination.

The ACCC has invited submissions on the overall application, due by 24 September 2012.