The top court in Australia said Qantas can’t change the decision that it broke the law by giving 1,700 jobs to outside companies during the pandemic.
Australia’s highest court agreed unanimously that Qantas wrongly fired workers at 10 airports in November 2020. The decision said Qantas broke the law protecting employee rights. Qantas apologized but said it had to do it for financial reasons during COVID.
The airline let go of baggage handlers and cleaners when Australia closed its borders and business was slow.
The court said Qantas had good reasons for the move, but it took away workers’ rights to take protected action and negotiate.
Workers and unions celebrated the outcome, calling it a big win after a tough fight.
The Transport Workers’ Union said this shows the whole Qantas board should change, including having a worker’s representative.
Qantas could face a large compensation claim as this is the biggest illegal sacking in Australian history.
Qantas faced public anger for making huge profits while facing scandals about its actions during COVID. They were accused of selling tickets for flights they had already canceled.
They were also accused of supporting the government’s decision to stop Qatar Airways from flying more in and out of Australia, which critics say would’ve made prices more competitive.
The long-time Qantas boss, Alan Joyce, left early last week due to the growing controversies. He’s expected to get a payout of about A$22m ($14m; £11m).
The new leader, Vanessa Hudson, is the first female leader of the airline. She’s promised to fix Qantas’ damaged reputation.
SOURCE: BBC