In a statement on Wednesday, Qantas apologised for the outsourcing the 1,700 jobs during the pandemic, but maintained it was a necessary financial measure during Covid.
“As we have said from the beginning, we deeply regret the personal impact the outsourcing decision had on all those affected and we sincerely apologise,” the BBC quoted the statement as saying.
The court’s ruling was welcomed by many.
The Transport Workers’ Union said the finding was proof that “the entire Qantas board must be replaced by new directors including a worker representative”.
The Union’s national secretary Michael Kaine called the carrier’s actions “the largest sacking found to be illegal” in Australian history and promised that workers would now seek compensation in court.
In recent weeks, the Australian flag carrier has faced public outrage after reaping record profits amid a series of scandals related to its actions throughout the pandemic, including allegations that it sold tickets on thousands of flights which were cancelled.
Amid mounting scandals, Alan Joyce, the long-time boss of Qantas, announced his early departure from the airline last week.
His successor Vanessa Hudson is the airline’s first ever female leader.
