Qantas is order to cough up $120M to after sacking almost 2000 workers and sending their jobs offshore
- Qantas has reached a settlement with the Transport Workers Union
Qantas will pay 1,800 illegally dismissed ground handlers $120 million after the end of negotiations in a four-year industrial relations battle.
Qantas confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that it has reached a settlement with the Transport Workers Union, with CEO Vaness Hudson apologizing to affected workers.
“This is an important step in bringing closure to these individuals and I would like to reiterate our sincere apologies to those affected and their families,” she said in a statement published to the ASX.
‘We know this has been a difficult time for those affected and are pleased that we have been able to work closely with the Transport Workers Union to expedite this process and resolve it before Christmas.’
The decision to lay off 1,683 employees at ten major Australian airports in 2020 was made under the leadership of the airline’s former CEO Alan Joyce.
Negotiations between the airline and the union lasted four years, with the Federal Court ruling in October that the dismissal of the employees was illegal.
The fund for the former employees will be “distributed into payment streams for economic losses and damages for pain and suffering in early 2025.”
Qantas will also have to compensate the TWU for costs “incurred in managing the distribution of the funds to individuals”.
Qantas will pay 1,800 illegally dismissed ground handlers $120 million after end of negotiations with Transport Workers Union
Negotiations between Qantas and the union have lasted four years, with the Federal Court ruling in October that the dismissal of the workers was illegal
TWU national secretary Michael Kaine said it was a positive outcome for the former workers after “four grueling years of this court case”.
“They have supported each other through what for some have been the most difficult times of their lives, through family breakdowns, financial stress and mental hardship,” he said.
“These workers helped build the Spirit of Australia.
“Many have worked for decades and are proud to help deliver the safety and service standards that have made Qantas a national icon.”
There’s more to come.