Invest
TWU calls for 'heads to roll' at Qantas following court ruling
The full Federal Court has upheld a previous decision deeming Qantas’ sacking of about 2,000 workers illegal.
TWU calls for 'heads to roll' at Qantas following court ruling
The full Federal Court has upheld a previous decision deeming Qantas’ sacking of about 2,000 workers illegal.

The full court on Wednesday unanimously rejected the airline’s attempt to overturn a ruling brought down in July 2021 that declared the 2020 sacking of workers illegal, pushing the matter to compensation and penalties hearings.
The Full Federal Court, comprising of Justices Mordy Bromberg, Darryl Rangiah and Robert Bromwich, upheld the ruling that Qantas ignored protections in the Fair Work Act when it terminated ground handling and fleet presentation workers as part of a restructure in November 2020.
Qantas argued that the outsourcing decision was necessary to reduce staff costs by $100 million per year.
But the judges also refused to yield to the Transport Workers Union (TWU), which sought the reinstatement of the sacked employees, ruling that it would be inconvenient and difficult.

Responding to Wednesday’s ruling, the TWU called for the airline’s board to sack Qantas CEO Alan Joyce and the CEO of Domestic and International, Andrew David, who it deemed was a key decision-maker in this case.
The TWU also vowed to fight for a “substantial” compensation package for workers.
“Through unity, resilience and determination, Qantas workers have achieved a huge victory. After a horror 18-months having lifelong careers savagely and illegally ripped away from them, workers stood tall and took on one of the harshest and most powerful companies in the country. Today those workers have been heard, vindicated, and celebrated for their courage,” said TWU national secretary Michael Kaine following the ruling.
“There is only one appropriate response from the Qantas board – heads must roll,” he added.
Mr Kaine said it was “regrettable” the court did not reinstate the workers.
“The TWU vows to take this injustice to compensation hearings and give it all we’ve got to get workers what they are owed for the pain and anguish they’ve suffered.”
Qantas first announced it was looking into axing its remaining ground-handling operations in August 2020, before making the decision to do so later that year.
The job cuts were in addition to 6,000 jobs initially made redundant to offset the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the time the TWU argued that the decision to outsource was made to prevent workers from negotiating a new enterprise agreement and taking industrial action.
Further remedy hearings are now due to take place to determine the compensation Qantas will need to pay in additional to penalties.
About the author

About the author


Economy
Economist calls for July RBA rate cut following inflation data
An economist from State Street Global Advisors has called for the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut interest rates in July following today's Consumer Price Index data for June. Read more

Economy
GDP data prompts economist to predict faster RBA rate cuts
Australia's latest GDP growth data has come in significantly below expectations, prompting an economist to suggest the Reserve Bank may need to ease monetary policy more aggressively. Read more

Economy
Global markets face turbulent start amid tariff concerns, but outlook remains cautious
Global equity and bond markets have experienced a turbulent start to 2025, primarily due to concerns that a potential tariff-driven trade war could heighten inflation and recession risks. Read more

Economy
RBA may cut rates faster if GDP data disappoints, economists say
The Reserve Bank of Australia may cut interest rates more quickly if next week's GDP data disappoints, economists said following today's consumer price index data for May. Read more

Economy
RBA delivers widely expected rate cut as inflation optimism balances global uncertainty
The Reserve Bank of Australia has cut the cash rate by 25 basis points, delivering on widespread market expectations while signalling a clearer directional shift towards less restrictive monetary ...Read more

Economy
Economist warns strong jobs data may delay further RBA rate cuts
Strong employment growth in April has put expectations for multiple interest rate cuts at risk, though upcoming economic data may clarify the need for lower rates, according to State Street Global ...Read more

Economy
Australian inflation continues downward trend, nearing RBA target
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.7 per cent in the year to August, down from 3.5 per cent in July and 3.8 per cent in June. Read more

Economy
UK markets poised for gains after election, global geopolitical risks remain
Chris Iggo, Chief Investment Officer at AXA Investment Managers, has provided an optimistic outlook for UK markets following the recent general election, while cautioning about ongoing global ...Read more

Economy
Economist calls for July RBA rate cut following inflation data
An economist from State Street Global Advisors has called for the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut interest rates in July following today's Consumer Price Index data for June. Read more

Economy
GDP data prompts economist to predict faster RBA rate cuts
Australia's latest GDP growth data has come in significantly below expectations, prompting an economist to suggest the Reserve Bank may need to ease monetary policy more aggressively. Read more

Economy
Global markets face turbulent start amid tariff concerns, but outlook remains cautious
Global equity and bond markets have experienced a turbulent start to 2025, primarily due to concerns that a potential tariff-driven trade war could heighten inflation and recession risks. Read more

Economy
RBA may cut rates faster if GDP data disappoints, economists say
The Reserve Bank of Australia may cut interest rates more quickly if next week's GDP data disappoints, economists said following today's consumer price index data for May. Read more

Economy
RBA delivers widely expected rate cut as inflation optimism balances global uncertainty
The Reserve Bank of Australia has cut the cash rate by 25 basis points, delivering on widespread market expectations while signalling a clearer directional shift towards less restrictive monetary ...Read more

Economy
Economist warns strong jobs data may delay further RBA rate cuts
Strong employment growth in April has put expectations for multiple interest rate cuts at risk, though upcoming economic data may clarify the need for lower rates, according to State Street Global ...Read more

Economy
Australian inflation continues downward trend, nearing RBA target
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.7 per cent in the year to August, down from 3.5 per cent in July and 3.8 per cent in June. Read more

Economy
UK markets poised for gains after election, global geopolitical risks remain
Chris Iggo, Chief Investment Officer at AXA Investment Managers, has provided an optimistic outlook for UK markets following the recent general election, while cautioning about ongoing global ...Read more