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5d ago

Qantas Faces Final Penalty Decision Over Illegal Outsourcing of 1,800 Workers

Federal Court hears closing arguments on whether Qantas will pay the maximum $121 million penalty for breaching the Fair Work Act during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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A union wants Qantas to pay the maximum penalty for illegally outsourcing ground workers' jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Overview

  • Justice Michael Lee is presiding over the Federal Court hearing in Sydney to determine the penalty for Qantas' illegal outsourcing of 1,800 ground workers in 2020.
  • The Transport Workers Union (TWU) is pushing for the maximum $121 million penalty, citing the need for strong deterrence against similar corporate misconduct.
  • Qantas has already been ordered to pay $120 million in compensation, with payments, including a $10,000 base amount per worker, set to begin by the end of May.
  • Qantas representatives expressed regret during the hearings, though the TWU criticized the apology as coming too late to offset the harm caused to workers and their families.
  • Justice Lee emphasized the importance of general deterrence and accountability, warning against corporations attempting to manipulate legal proceedings.