Travel
Qantas Ordered To Pay R1 Billion Fine After Illegal Pandemic Layoffs
When the world shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of airline workers lost their jobs. For more than 1 800 Qantas ground staff, that blow has now come full circle. An Australian court has slapped the airline with a record AUD90 million fine (about R1 billion) for unlawfully dismissing its staff at the height of the crisis.
A Historic Ruling Against The Airline
The Federal Court’s decision is being called the largest fine ever imposed on an Australian company for breaking the Fair Work Act. Justice Michael Lee criticised Qantas for what he described as an “unrelenting and aggressive” attempt to drag out the case rather than face responsibility.
It comes after years of courtroom battles. In 2024, Qantas was already forced to set aside AUD120 million (around R1.4 billion) in a compensation fund for the workers who were wrongfully dismissed. This latest fine is meant to send a message about corporate accountability.
Qantas Issues An Apology
Vanessa Hudson, the Qantas Group CEO, confirmed that the airline would comply with the ruling. She apologised directly to the staff who lost their jobs, acknowledging that the damage went beyond finances. For many, the layoffs meant years of financial strain, broken families and emotional tolls that no payout can truly cover.
How Australians Are Reacting
Across social media, Australians have been outspoken. Many users described the ruling as “justice finally served,” while others questioned why it took four years for workers to get closure. Some noted that while the penalty is massive, it remains only a fraction of Qantas’ annual revenue.
More Than Just A Fine
Beyond the money, this ruling is about precedent. Courts have shown that even the most powerful airlines cannot sidestep labour laws during a crisis. It also places pressure on other global carriers, many of which faced similar challenges during COVID-19, to reflect on how they treated their staff.
Source:Travel News
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