The lawsuit, filed on behalf of approximately 1,700 former Qantas employees, claims the airline unlawfully terminated their employment to cut costs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The workers, many of whom had decades of service, were told their jobs would be outsourced to third-party contractors. In 2021, the Federal Court ruled that Qantas had acted illegally, prompting the airline to set aside a $120 million provision for compensation. However, the matter of damages and penalties remains unresolved, with Maurice Blackburn seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation and legal costs.
Chris Zappone, writing for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and Brisbane Times, noted that "big sophisticated companies, organisations or legal minds would not tolerate what sacked Qantas workers have gone through," underscoring the severity of the workers' experiences. The article details the emotional and financial toll on former employees, many of whom have struggled to find stable employment since being let go. The legal process has been drawn out, with multiple hearings and appeals slowing progress.
Qantas has acknowledged its legal obligations but has argued that the compensation claims are excessive. In a statement, the airline said it had already taken steps to remedy the situation and was committed to fair resolution. The case is seen as a test of employer obligations during economic downturns and has broader implications for labour rights in Australia.
The court is expected to hear further submissions on damages later this year. Legal experts suggest that a settlement may be reached to avoid a lengthy trial, but no agreements have been announced. The workers and their representatives continue to push for accountability and adequate redress.