The Daily Aus Qantas' record-breaking fine
Aug 18, 2025
Qantas faces Australia’s largest workplace penalty after unlawfully sacking over 1,800 workers during the pandemic. The landmark ruling hit the airline with a $90 million fine, adding to a prior $120 million compensation deal. The discussions highlight the airline's controversial outsourcing decisions and the legal battles that followed, reaffirming workers' rights. The hosts delve into the judge's critical remarks about Qantas’ accountability and sincerity in handling the crisis, alongside the complexities of compensating affected employees.
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Outsourcing During COVID To Save Costs
- Qantas outsourced 1,800+ ground staff in Nov 2020 claiming cost savings during COVID-19.
- The airline said outsourcing would save about $100 million per year amid collapsed travel demand.
Union Says Sackings Targeted Bargaining Power
- The Transport Workers Union argued Qantas timed sackings to curb collective bargaining and strike rights.
- The TWU launched federal court action claiming the motive violated the Fair Work Act.
Judge Found Motivation Key To Illegality
- Justice Michael Lee found Qantas had a substantial motive to curb union power, making the sackings unlawful.
- The burden was on Qantas to prove lawful motives and it failed to do so under the Fair Work Act.