Ouch..unlawful laptop,deductions!

This afternoon the Federal Court found that 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 their wages.

 

The AEU pursued this matter because we believe that laptops are tools of the trade for teachers and principals alike. For too long, it has been unreasonable for teachers and principals to pay to access these devices. 

 

Justice Bromberg found the Department's deductions were unlawful and in breach of the Fair Work Act. 

Today's decision means teachers and principals across the state who had monies unlawfully deducted from their wages are set to receive back-pay and penalty interest. Let's hope DET doesn't appeal.