Archive · 18 Aug 2025
Qantas Fined $59M for Illegal Layoffs of 1,800 Staff
An Australian court made Qantas pay a big fine, about $59 million, because they fired 1,800 workers unfairly during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The court said Qantas broke the rules by doing this.
The money will be split between the workers and their union.
The company had already agreed to pay the fired employees earlier.
This all happened because Qantas wanted to save money, but the court decided they did it the wrong way.
The workers, many of whom worked for years at Qantas, are happy that the case is finally over.
Qantas was fined Aus$90 million (US$59 million) by an Australian court for illegally laying off 1,800 ground staff.
The layoffs occurred in August 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, when lockdowns and border closures were in effect.
The Federal Court ruled Qantas acted illegally and prevented staff from collective bargaining or taking industrial action.
The fine is to be paid in two parts, with Aus$50 million going to the Transport Workers Union and Aus$40 million for future payments to former workers.
This penalty comes after Qantas agreed to pay Aus$120 million in compensation to affected former employees last year.
- Who
- Qantas was fined by an Australian court.
- What
- Qantas was fined for illegally laying off 1,800 ground staff.
- When
- The layoffs occurred in August 2020. The fine was issued on Monday.
- Where
- Australia
- Why
- The court wanted to deter companies from breaching employment law.
Workers and Union
Qantas
Legality of Layoffs
Workers and Union
The layoffs were illegal and unfair.
Qantas
Qantas's view is not explicitly stated, but the company's actions led to legal action.
- Company Fined
- Qantas
- Fine Amount
- Aus$90 million (US$59 million)
- Reason for Fine
- Illegal Layoffs
- Number of Staff Laid Off
- 1,800
- Date of Layoffs
- August 2020
- Additional Compensation
- Aus$120 million