Qantas ordered to pay $170,000 to three workers illegally sacked at start of pandemic

Qantas has been ordered into mediation with the Transport Workers’ Union after illegally firing 1,700 baggage handlers, cleaners and other ground staff at the height of pandemic travel disruptions. Photograph: Mark Baker/AP

Qantas is facing a hefty compensation bill expected to exceed $100m as it braces for the fallout of its decision to illegally sack almost 1,700 baggage handlers in 2020.

Justice Michael Lee ruled on Monday that three test cases should receive $30,000, $40,000 and $100,000. They suffered varying amounts of “non-economic loss”, the court ruled, which refers to hardship and distress caused by the airline.