Qantas ordered to compensate 1,700 laid-off ground staff for COVID-19 pandemic violations.

Qantas is ordered to compensate nearly 1,700 ground staff unlawfully laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Federal Court found the airline's actions violated employment laws aimed at preventing workers from negotiating new agreements. A preliminary ruling awarded $170,000 to three test case employees. The total compensation will be determined in court on November 15, alongside potential penalties sought by the Transport Workers' Union.