The judgment, marking the end of a David and Goliath five-year battle is, according to the TWU, the final vindication for workers whose decision to fight the case was derided and mocked by Qantas management from day one.
The penalty on Qantas follows an earlier Federal Court decision on compensation to affected workers, which led to the establishment of a $120 million fund to compensate them for economic loss and hurt and suffering. Many suffered financial stress, family breakdowns and mental illness as a result of the outsourcing, and have endured a further 5 years of distress at being discredited by Qantas which argued throughout that they were wrong to challenge it.
TWU NSW Secretary Richard Olsen says:
“Make no mistake, this decision – the largest penalty for a breach of industrial relations laws in 120 years – is a complete vindication of the fight we picked up in 2020, when Qantas made the original decision to illegally sack these workers.
“The TWU wore the risk of taking up this case, when other entities would not. This penalty is on top of the $120 million fund established to compensate affected workers, and rightfully reflects the effort, grit and tenacity transport workers have put in to see this through.
“This is a win for all Australian workers, but in particular transport workers, who were on the frontlines during the Covid crisis while perversely facing some of the most precarious employment arrangements. This ruling is a final sign that this needs to end.
“I encourage all employers to work with us as we seek reform, and safe and secure jobs in this industry.”
TWU NSW Assistant-Secretary Nick McIntosh says:
“The penalty just reinforces the fact that Qantas continued to be bad actors from the moment they illegally sacked the 1800 workers – that a simple “sorry” doesn’t make up for a poor executive culture and anti-worker practices.
“This penalty, in addition to the compensation already awarded, will hopefully encourage Qantas to change for the better. I join my colleagues in calling all employers to work with us as we seek reform, and safe and secure jobs in this industry. Only a Safe and Secure Skies commission will see this industry become truly fair.”
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