QANTAS and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) have reached a deal that will see the airline pay $120 million in compensation to ground handlers who were illegally sacked in 2020 (TD breaking news yesterday).
The carrier will establish a compensation fund administered by Maurice Blackburn on behalf of the TWU, with compensation payments to be made to more than 1,800 impacted former staff.
Final compensation amounts will cover both economic and non-economic losses, compensation to the TWU, as well as costs incurred managing the distribution of the funds.
The decision follows a court order in Oct for Qantas to pay close to $170,000 to three sacked workers (TD 21 Oct).
On the basis of the outcome of that test case, it was estimated that Qantas faced a potential payout in excess of $100 million.
Commenting on the settlement, Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson said it is an “important step” in bringing closure to the workers involved in the sacking.
“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,” Hudson said
The fund will be established in early 2025.
Qantas is also facing a penalty hearing in the Federal Court, which could see it slugged with a multi-million-dollar fine. AB
