Qantas and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) have reached a $120 million settlement to compensate more than 1,800 ground handlers who were unlawfully dismissed in 2020.
The compensation fund, to be managed by law firm Maurice Blackburn on behalf of the TWU, will cover both economic and non-economic losses, along with costs associated with the fund’s administration. The settlement also includes compensation to the TWU.
This agreement follows an October Federal Court ruling ordering Qantas to pay nearly $170,000 to three dismissed workers in a test case. Based on that outcome, estimates suggested Qantas faced a potential liability exceeding $100 million.
Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson described the settlement as an “important step” in providing closure to the affected workers.
“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 still faces a penalty hearing in the Federal Court, where it could be hit with another multi-million-dollar fine.
