The AEU’s legal team has had some good results for members this term, including in the areas of VIT registration; advocating to recover over $35,000 in wages for a member whose employment was terminated; supporting a member through the return-to-work process, including securing backpay; and resolving a general protections claim on favourable terms.
Other standout wins included requiring an employer to appoint a firm of solicitors to audit its pay records to identify and recover underpayments of wages. The employer agreed that its non-compliance was widespread. We supported TAFE members whose institute refused to allow members to use sick leave during a Christmas closure period. We also obtained an undertaking from an employer to maintain conditions, including LSL benefits, in a Fair Work Commission agreement approval application.
Redlich’s Work Injury Lawyers have resolved several lump sum claims for members who have suffered permanent injuries or long-term impacts to their health at work, totalling more than $1 million. AEU Victoria is one of the few unions to provide funding that covers the full cost of workers’ compensation claims, saving injured members tens of thousands of dollars. Other injured workers can end up paying more than 25% of their compensation in legal fees.
