Blacktown City Council - Media Statement - Industrial Relations Commission Endorses Council Return To Work Agreement

4 July 2019

Blacktown City Council has welcomed the decision by the

NSW Industrial Relations Commission to endorse an 

agreement between Council and the United Services Union 

that will result in the resumption of work.

The United Services Union (USU) called a stoppage of work 

for outdoor staff yesterday over the use of Glyphosate (a 

herbicide used in certain weedkillers).

Under the agreement Council will implement a trial of a 

viable alternate weed control product. Council has previously 

offered to undertake such a trial.

The trial will involve one of Council’s crews using the 

alternate product. Other crews will continue to use the 

Glyphosate-based product under strict conditions in 

accordance with the label directions.

The trial will be monitored by Council’s Work, Health and 

Safety Representative Committee.

Council welcomed Commissioner Webster’s statement that 

she recognised that Council has a strong and active Work, 

Health and Safety Representative Committee.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said: “We place the 

safety of our staff and the community as our highest priority.

“Council has consulted with staff and unions on the use of 

Glyphosate extensively.

“Council is continually monitoring the situation and will act 

according to the recommendations of the regulator and on 

the findings that result from the trial.

“We have agreed to trialling viable alternatives. What is 

important for everyone to understand is that Council will not 

place employees or members of the public at risk,” Mayor 

Bali said.

Council 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.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service use 

Glyphosate-based weed control measures throughout 

national parks in Sydney.

Residents affected by the stoppage have been asked to 

leave their bins at the kerb until collection occurs.