Qantas to pay more than 1,800 illegally fired workers $76 million compensation 

Qantas will pay more than 1,800 illegally fired ground workers AUD $120 million ($76 million) after reaching an agreement with the Australian Transport Workers Union (TWU) over the sum due to each former employee.  

The Federal Court of Australia previously ruled that Qantas had illegally dismissed 1,820 ground workers across 10 airports in November 2020 and replaced them with contractors. 

In the October 2024 ruling, three test cases were awarded AUD $30,000 ($20,000) AUD $40,000 ($27,000) and AU $100,000 ($67,000) and the TWU predicted the total compensation for all workers would exceed AUD $100 million ($67 million). 

The fund will be established in early 2025, from which compensation will be paid directly to the former employees.  

A huge result from TWU members’ unity over a four year court battle. https://t.co/xPfufrm8ld— TWU Australia (@TWUAus) December 17, 2024 Final compensation amounts will cover both economic and non-economic loss, compensation to the TWU, as well as the costs incurred managing the distribution of the funds to individuals. 

In a statement on December 17, 2024, Qantas once again apologized to the former ground handlers who were impacted in 2020 by the airline’s decision to outsource. 

“This is an important step in bringing closure to these individuals and I want to reiterate our sincere apologies to those impacted and their families. We know this has been a difficult period for those affected and are pleased we have been able to work closely with the TWU to expedite this process and resolve it ahead of Christmas,” said Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson. 

The Australian Council of Trade Unions Acting Secretary (ACTU) welcomed the decision to establish the compensation fund which it described as the “largest case of illegal terminations in Australian industry”. 

The compensation agreement follows a four-year legal battle between Qantas and the TWU. 

“This is a historic win for union members. We congratulate the Transport Workers Union for achieving justice for the 1800 illegally sacked workers and their loved ones. After years of Qantas fighting the Transport Workers Union in the courts, these union members will now finally be compensated for the enormous damage they suffered at the hands of the company under Alan Joyce,” said ACTU Acting Secretary, Joseph Mitchell. 

In a social media post the TWU wrote: “Qantas will create a $120 million fund to compensate illegally outsourced workers after a four year TWU court case. A huge congrats to these workers – that’s union power.” 

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