Qantas Airways Fined Record Millions for Illegal Pandemic Layoffs
Qantas Airways faces record fines, including A$90 million, for illegally firing over 1,800 ground staff during the Covid-19 pandemic, drawing criticism.
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Overview
- Qantas Airways was fined $59 million for illegally firing over 1,800 ground staff at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, facing a record A$90 million penalty for illegal outsourcing.
- The airline was ordered to pay a record fine of A$90 million for the illegal outsourcing and firing of its ground staff, reflecting significant legal repercussions for its actions.
- Qantas will pay a $50 million fine to the Transport Workers' Union as part of the record penalty for pandemic-related sackings, addressing the impact on affected employees.
- A hearing is scheduled to determine the allocation of the remaining $40 million from the $59 million fine imposed on Qantas for illegal pandemic layoffs.
- Critics questioned Qantas's sincerity in apologizing for illegal conduct, highlighting the airline's lack of contrition and litigation strategy regarding the record fine.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the Qantas fine neutrally by presenting factual details of the court ruling and including direct statements from all key parties. They avoid loaded language and provide balanced perspectives from the judge, Qantas, and the union, focusing on the legal outcome and its implications without editorializing.
"A judge on Monday fined Qantas Airways 90 million Australian dollars ($59 million) for illegally firing more than 1,800 ground staff at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic."
ABC NewsArticles (3)
FAQ
Qantas Airways was fined A$90 million for illegally firing over 1,800 ground staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and unlawfully outsourcing their jobs, violating Australia's Fair Work Act.
The court ordered that A$50 million of the fine be paid to the Transport Workers' Union, while a hearing is scheduled to allocate the remaining A$40 million among the affected employees.
The illegal layoffs deeply affected over 1,800 ground employees; the Transport Workers' Union welcomed the court ruling as a strong affirmation of worker rights and to help cover legal costs and support for affected staff.
Qantas stated it will pay the fine and issued an apology to the affected ground handling employees and their families, although critics questioned the sincerity of their contrition and litigation strategy.
History
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