Qantas hit a record penalty for illegal dismissal during a pandem

The Australian Court fined Qantas Airline Record 90 million (£ 43 million; $ 59 million) for illegal dismissal of more than 1800 ground workers During the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Australian union of workers said he had welcomed a fine, which was the largest, court for violations of industrial relations in the country’s history.

Federal Court Justice Michael Lee said in a court decision that he wanted to fined as “true restraining” for other employers.

The statement of the airline states that she agreed to pay a fine and that the resolution was prosecuted for the actions that have done “true damage” to its employees.

“We sincerely apologize to each of the 1820 employees who are engaged in terrestrial appeal and their families who have suffered as a result,” said Qantas Group Vanessa Hudson Executive Director.

“The decision to convey outsourcing five years ago, especially at such an indefinite time, caused real difficulties for many of our former teams and their families.”

The fine is the largest financial punishment issued by the Australian campaign in accordance with the law on just work, which teaches the rules for workers and workers.

The largest airline in Australia faced a long -standing legal battle for its decision in 2020 in outsourcing its major operations, which, he said, was necessary for a financial measure because the aviation industry stopped during the pandemic.

Kantas was ordered by the court to pay $ 50 million directly to the Union of Transport Workers, which sued the airline for dismissal.

The decision was marked by the end of the five-year Battle of David and Goliath “and is” the moment of justice for the faithful workers who loved their work in the airline, “the transport union said.

The fine is close to maximum punishment, which may be imposed for violation of Australian work law.

Judge Lee said the fine was intended to prevent other large firms thinking that they can “go away” with such steps, even if they believe that the benefit may be a risk.

In court documents Judge Lee interrogated corporate culture qantas And whether the firm’s remorse is true.

He noted that the “relentless and aggressive” company as a sign of efforts to avoid paying any compensation to the employees she had previously stated that it was a pity.

In 2021, the court found that Qantas partially conveyed its labor to limit the adoption of industrial actions. Many of the muted workers were members of the union.

QAantas punishment is a $ 120 million compensation, which the airline has agreed to pay for the dismissal of workers in 2024, losing several appeals in court.

But it may not be big enough to restrain other companies to do the same as the airline may have saved even more money, outsourcing its employees during the pandemic, said Dan Trindade, an employment expert in Clayton Utz.

“If this is not considered sufficient curbing, the government may face calls for increased punishment.”

In recent years, illegal dismissal has been among several airline scandals. Last year Qantas was ordered to pay $ 100 million for Selling tickets for thousands of flights It has already decided to cancel.