Speaking exclusively with Australian Aviation, a Qantas spokesperson confirmed that all 2,500 staff members that were stood down today would be eligible for relief payments, either under the government’s lockdown disaster payment scheme, or through the newly-introduced aviation support payments.
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has won a historic court battle against Qantas over the dismissal of more than 2,000 ground handlers whose roles were outsourced.
The carrier is now hoping to use proceeds of the sale to pay down part of its net debt of $6 billion, and invest in new aircraft.
Qantas has settled one of multiple active age discrimination cases taken out against it after two months of mediation, for an undisclosed amount.
Dozens of Qantas passengers onboard a Launceston to Melbourne flight earlier this month are being urged to get tested and self-isolate after a vaccinated health care worker tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after his connecting flight to the UK.
The announcement comes days after Qantas suggested it could offer loyalty points or vouchers as an incentive for Australians to get jabbed, as the airline works to push up the country’s vaccination rates.