Qantas Penalized Record A$90 Million for Pandemic Layoffs

A court fined Qantas Airways A$90 million for illegally firing 1,800 ground staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite changes in management, the airline expressed regret more for reputational damage than worker harm. The decision emphasizes the serious consequences of violating Australia's labour laws.

A court has imposed a record-breaking fine of A$90 million on Qantas Airways for the illegal sacking of 1,800 ground staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Federal Court's Judge Michael Lee criticized Qantas for its lack of genuine contrition, claiming their apologies seemed more aligned with repairing reputational damage worked by the scandal rather than remorse for the affected workers.

In his statement, Judge Lee indicated that the penalty, which constitutes about 75% of the maximum possible fine, was set to ensure such a breach does not become merely a business cost. The fine partly compensates the Transport Workers' Union, which spearheaded the case against Qantas.

This decision follows a previous agreement on a compensation fund struck between the airline and the sacked workers. Despite Qantas' initial attempts to appeal the judgment, their appeal failed, reinforcing the serious legal and financial repercussions for companies breaching Australia's labour laws.

(With inputs from agencies.)