AEU Victoria wins landmark laptop case

Issue 

The Australian Education Union (AEU) Victoria has won millions of dollars back-payment for more than 40,000 Victorian teachers and principals in a landmark case decided on November 6.

The Federal Court found the Victorian government made unlawful deductions from teachers' and principals' salaries in contravention of the Fair Work Act, by requiring them to pay for access to the Education Department's laptops directly out of wages.

The Australian Education Union (AEU) Victoria has won millions of dollars back-payment for more than 40,000 Victorian teachers and principals in a landmark case decided on November 6.

The Federal Court found the Victorian government made unlawful deductions from teachers' and principals' salaries in contravention of the Fair Work Act, by requiring them to pay for access to the Education Department's laptops directly out of wages.

“Laptop computers are essential for teachers and principals,” said Meredith Peace, AEU Victorian president. “It is unreasonable to expect teachers and principals to pay for accessing their work computers.

“We are pleased that the Federal Court found teachers should not have to spend their own wage to purchase items that are essential for their work.”

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