Qantas to appeal Federal Court judgement regarding outsourcing

1 August, 2021

Qantas Airways stated (30-Jul-2021) it intends to appeal the Federal Court's judgement that it contravened the Fair Work Act in outsourcing the remainder of its ground handling function. The court accepted that Qantas made the decision to outsource in response to the unprecedented impact of the coronavirus crisis, but it also found the Transport Workers' Union's claim that preventing future industrial action was also a factor had not been disproven. Qantas noted the judgment does not mean Qantas is required to reinstate workers or pay compensation or penalties, adding the matters have not yet been considered by the court and Qantas will oppose any such orders. Qantas will also seek to have its appeal heard as soon as possible and before any remedy hearing. [more - original PR]