Overview

• The court found Qantas illegally blocked collective bargaining and strike rights when it dismissed and outsourced about 1,800 ground staff in August 2020.
• Of the €50 million penalty, €28 million will go to the Transport Workers’ Union and €22 million will fund future payments to former Qantas employees.
• This award adds to the roughly €67 million compensation Qantas agreed to last year, ending the multi-year legal challenge.
• Judge Michael Lee described the decision as a deterrent against employers who flout labor laws during crises.
• Qantas has accepted the ruling, issued a formal apology through CEO Vanessa Hudson, and now faces renewed scrutiny over its pandemic-era labor decisions.