Qantas Faces Heavy Penalty for Illegal Layoffs

In a landmark ruling, Qantas Airways has been ordered to pay a staggering 90 million Australian dollars (approximately $59 million) for unlawfully terminating the employment of 1,800 ground staff during the COVID-19 crisis and outsourcing their roles to contractors.

Federal Court Justice Michael Lee emphasized the need for the penalty to serve as a "real deterrence" against similar violations of workplace laws by corporations, opting for a fine near the maximum allowable.

This penalty is in addition to the 120 million Australian dollars Qantas previously agreed to pay as compensation to the affected employees, marking a significant financial and reputational blow to the airline.