Qantas Airways has been fined 90 million AUD for illegally dismissing 1,800 employees who were replaced by subcontractors during the pandemic.

Australia's Federal Court has fined Qantas Airways a record AUD 90 million for allegedly unlawfully dismissing 1,800 ground staff who were replaced by subcontractors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The judge stressed that the fine should deter illegal behavior by large companies. Part of the amount will be paid to the union that filed the lawsuit. Qantas expressed regret and acknowledged the impact of its decisions on employees. The ruling marks the end of a five-year legal battle and raises questions about the company's corporate culture.