December 17th 2024.
Qantas has recently announced that it will be compensating over 1800 workers who were unlawfully outsourced during the pandemic. This decision comes after the Federal Court ordered the airline to pay three former employees a total of $170,000 in a test case back in October. The ruling was then upheld by the High Court, solidifying the fact that Qantas had indeed sacked baggage handlers, cleaners, and ground staff unlawfully in 2020.
As a result, Qantas has agreed to pay $120 million in compensation to the affected workers. This includes setting up a fund early next year to ensure that all 1820 workers impacted by the pandemic-era decision are fairly compensated. Qantas CEO, Vanessa Hudson, expressed her apologies to those affected and their families, stating that this is an important step in bringing closure to the individuals involved.
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has also praised the agreement, calling it a "huge result" after a four-year court battle. The TWU has been advocating for the rights of these workers and their unity has paid off in this settlement. Qantas has been working closely with the TWU to expedite the compensation process and resolve the issue before Christmas. This is a relief for the affected workers, who have been going through a difficult period.
In their annual report for 2024, Qantas has allocated an additional $70 million for expected costs related to this case. This has contributed to a decrease in their profits from $1.7 to $1.25 billion this year. However, Qantas remains committed to resolving this issue and ensuring fair compensation for all the impacted workers.
Overall, this settlement marks an important step in addressing the unlawful outsourcing of workers during the pandemic. Qantas has acknowledged their mistake and is taking responsibility for their actions. The affected workers can now find closure and move forward, thanks to the efforts of the TWU and the commitment of Qantas to resolve this issue.
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