Qantas Ordered to Compensate 1,700 Workers for Illegal Pandemic Layoffs

The Federal Court mandates Qantas to pay compensation after unlawfully outsourcing ground staff jobs during COVID-19.

Qantas is required to pay $170,000 in compensation to three workers as part of a Federal Court ruling on illegal layoffs.
The ruling stems from the airline's decision to outsource 1,700 ground crew positions in 2020, deemed unlawful by the High Court.
Compensation amounts for the three test cases were set at $30,000, $40,000, and $100,000 for non-economic losses.
The Transport Workers Union and Qantas will enter mediation to finalize total compensation, potentially exceeding $100 million.
Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson apologized to affected employees, acknowledging the emotional and financial toll of the layoffs.