December 8, 2009The
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has not objected to a notification lodged by a group of car rental companies seeking to collectively negotiate with Mackay Airport.
The members of the proposed bargaining group: Hertz, Thrifty, Avis, Budget and Europcar, all currently offer car rental services at Mackay Airport.
According to a statement issued by the ACCC today, the bargaining group wants to collectively bargain with Mackay Airport about the terms and conditions governing their continued operation at the airport.
"Negotiating collectively provides the car rental companies with an opportunity to have greater input into the terms and conditions of contracts for the provision of car rental services at Mackay Airport," Chairman Graeme Samuel says.
"Importantly, the proposed arrangements are voluntary. Mackay Airport is free to choose whether to participate in the arrangements or continue to negotiate with each car rental company individually," he says.
Collective bargaining refers to competitors who collectively negotiate terms and conditions with a supplier or customer and can raise concerns under the competition provisions of the
Trade Practices Act 1974.
Businesses can obtain protection from related legal action under the Act by lodging a notification with the ACCC.
Provided the ACCC does not object to the notified arrangements, protection commences 14 days after lodgement.