A number of Blacktown City Council services have been disrupted by industrial action.
Some garbage bins weren’t collected this morning in Blacktown City LGA and a number of outdoor services have been disrupted.
Residents affected by the stoppage have been asked to leave their bins at the kerb for collection tomorrow.
This morning, the United Services Union (USU) called a stoppage of work for outdoor staff regarding the use of Glyphosate (a herbicide used in certain weedkillers). At the time of writing, this industrial action is ongoing.
Blacktown City Council has notified the Industrial Relations Commission NSW (IRC) of this industrial dispute and has sought an urgent hearing.
Council has consulted with staff and unions on the use of Glyphosate extensively.
Council’s is guided in this by the relevant regulatory authority, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
The APVMA states that:
- Glyphosate is safe for humans, animals and the environment when used according to label directions
- No regulatory agency in the world considers Glyphosate to be a carcinogen
- The APVMA does not expect any significant changes to the registration of Glyphosate in Australia.
Council will continue to monitor and review its methods of weed control.
