The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) welcomes the Australian Federal Court’s decision today to award Qantas a AUD 90 million penalty for illegally sacking and outsourcing over 1800 workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This ruling marks the end of a five-year battle for justice for ITF-affiliate, the Transport Workers Union of Australia (TWU) and its brave members.
“Today’s decision is a stark warning for bosses everywhere – you cannot get away with attacking workers’ rights. Trade unions will ensure justice is served,” said Sara Nelson, President of AFA- CWA and ITF Civil Aviation Section Chair.
And while no compensation will ever undo the devastating impact that Qantas’ callous decision had on the lives of over 1800 workers and their families, this penalty provides some vindication.
“Not only did Qantas shamelessly and illegally sack and outsource these workers, but they also tried to discredit their fight for justice – and failed. Aviation workers across the world have been watching this case unfold, and this win is an inspiration in our fight against corporate greed everywhere,” said Nelson.
The court found that Qantas illegal sacked and outsourced workers to deny them from accessing the fundamental rights to collective bargaining and industrial action. Despite Qantas’ repeated attempts to quash the case, courts upheld the illegality and have now handed down the largest employer penalty in corporate Australia’s history.
Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the ITF said: “Qantas tried to get away with sacking and outsourcing these workers to avoid the power of unionised TWU members. The irony is that is that the mighty TWU will go back, organise the outsourced workers, and ensure they too receive their due. Whether directly employed or outsourced, Qantas aircraft will still be serviced by unionised workers – and Qantas will remain accountable to them."
A massive congratulations to the TWU and the courageous workers who have suffered cruelly at the hand of Qantas’ greed.”
Scott McDine, ITF Asia Pacific Regional Secretary, added: “The tenacity, passion, and commitment the TWU has shown to its members throughout this long struggle has been incredible. They stood by workers who lost their jobs and never gave up on justice. This ruling sends a clear message to multinationals everywhere: if you behave like Qantas did, this is what you will face.
“And the lesson is clear: without strong regulation, airlines will put profits before people, time and again. The TWU’s demand for a Safe and Secure Skies Commission is urgently needed to lock in fairness, safety and accountability across the aviation industry in Australia – to protect workers, passengers and the communities that rely on this vital industry. The ITF fully supports this call and will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the TWU to win Safe and Secure Skies.”
