In a landmark ruling that's sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, Qantas Airways has been slapped with an eye-watering £90 million fine for illegally sacking nearly 1,700 workers during the height of the pandemic.
The Federal Court of Australia found the airline guilty of outsourcing its ground operations in 2020 to avoid union negotiations, a move described by judges as 'a blatant breach of workplace laws'.
Workers' Lives Turned Upside Down
Many employees received the devastating news of their termination via email after decades of loyal service. 'I dedicated 23 years to Qantas only to be discarded like rubbish,' one former baggage handler told reporters.
The court heard harrowing accounts of financial ruin, mental health crises and family breakdowns among the sacked workers, most of whom were in their 50s and 60s.
Record-Breaking Penalty
The £90 million penalty - the largest ever imposed for breaches of Australia's Fair Work Act - includes:
- £42 million in compensation for affected workers
- £30 million civil penalties
- £18 million in additional fines
Justice Michael Lee condemned Qantas for 'putting profits before people' during a global crisis that grounded most international flights.
Airline's Response
Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson issued a public apology, admitting the airline 'got this wrong'. However, critics note the fine represents less than 10% of Qantas's £1.2 billion annual profits.
The Transport Workers Union has vowed to continue fighting for better protections against similar corporate behaviour in future.
