Kathmandu. An Australian court has fined Qantas Airlines $59 million for illegally firing more than 1,820 ground workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Australian Transport Workers’ Association welcomed the decision and said it was the largest ever fine imposed on an Australian company under the Fair Work Act. Federal Court Judge Michael Lee said the fine would set an example for other companies.
Qantas Airlines has agreed to pay the fine. The company acknowledged that the decision has made employees accountable for actions that harm them.
“We apologize to the 1,820 ground handling staff and their families who suffered,” said Vanessa Hudson, CEO of Qantas Group. ’
