| Qantas has been slapped with an incredible $90 million fine for unlawfully sacking thousands of ground staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a significant victory for workers’ rights. It sends a clear message that companies must be held accountable for their actions. Major corporations cannot just do whatever they want. Especially when the world is watching. How arrogant…. Back in 2020, the pandemic grounded flights and devastated the airline industry. During this challenging time, Qantas made the controversial decision to outsource its ground handling operations. This decision led to the dismissal of approximately 2,000 employees. The airline claimed that this move was necessary for financial survival, but the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) argued that the dismissals were unlawful and done to avoid paying employees their entitlements. Fast forward to this week, and the Federal Court has ruled in favour of the ACCC, imposing a hefty $90 million penalty on Qantas. This ruling highlights the unlawful nature of the dismissals and also raises important questions about corporate ethics and the treatment of workers, especially during tough times. The role of unions in this case cannot be overlooked. The Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) has been at the forefront of advocating for the affected workers, pushing back against Qantas’ actions and actively fighting for justice. Their efforts have not only brought this issue to light, but played a huge role in securing the financial compensation awarded. Interestingly, the ruling also stipulated that a significant portion of the $90m fine will be directed to the TWU. Meaning, alongside the workers who suffered due to the dismissals, the union will receive $50m to support its ongoing efforts in championing workers’ right. That is MASSIVE. I wonder if the TWU expected this? In a statement following the ruling, TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine expressed the union’s satisfaction with the decision, emphasising that it was a win not just for the workers but for all who believe in fair treatment and job security. “This ruling sends a clear message to Qantas and other companies that they cannot simply walk away from their obligations to their employees,” Kaine said. This decision is a powerful reminder of the importance of workers’ rights and the need for accountability in the corporate sector. Companies must act ethically and transparently, especially during crises. For employees, this is a signal of hope. The ruling could encourage more workers to stand up against unfair treatment, knowing they have the support of unions and the legal system. It also sets a precedent that could impact future decisions regarding layoffs and outsourcing practices across industries. No doubt Qantas will grapple with the financial repercussions of this ruling, the airline must also consider its reputation and the long-term effects of its decisions on employee relations. Moving forward, it will be important for Qantas to rebuild trust with its workforce and the public. Transparency, accountability, and a commitment to ethical practices will be key in regaining the confidence of both employees and customers. This is not just a financial penalty; it’s a significant step towards ensuring that workers are treated fairly and that companies are held accountable for their actions. The involvement of unions like the TWU demonstrates the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for what’s right. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and other important issues affecting workers across Australia by subscribing to our newsletter! Have a workplace or talent related question for the team at HYRO? We would LOVE to hear from you! Contact us at contact@hyroblog.com Want to hear more from HYRO? Subscribe to our blog and follow us on LinkedIn! |
Qantas: $90 Million Fine for Unlawful Layoffs
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