The Flying Kangaroo ordered this morning to pay $250,000 through Judge David Russell for the dismissal of Theo Seremetidis. The former Qantas employee, who worked as a forklift driver and had been elected fitness and protection representative, resigned in February 2020.
At the time, Seremetidis was concerned about the threat of aircraft clean-up from China and ordered his colleagues to stop, prompting his dismissal.
Workers were reportedly forced to cap planes arriving from COVID hotspots in China without good enough personal protective equipment, disinfectant, or COVID protection training.
Judge Russell criticised Qantas’ moves towards Seremetidis, describing them as an abuse of power.
“The conduct opposed to Seremetidis was shameful. . . Even when he resigned and was under investigation, QGS (Qantas Ground Service) attempted to fabricate more reasons for his actions,” Judge Russell said.
He continued: “There is an obvious imbalance of forces between the top brass at headquarters and Mr. Seremetidis, a part-time worker with a modest salary. “
Last year, Judge Russell said Qantas engaged in “discriminatory conduct” when it violated occupational suitability and protection by relinquishing Seremetidis.
Théo Seremetidis (Facebook/@TWUAus)
“I consider that the order given (to Qantas) through Mr Seremetidis to stop his work is a risk to the conduct of business,” Judge Russell told the court.
“In particular, there is a risk to (Qantas’) ability to neutralise the aircraft and fly them again. “
NSW/QLD Transport Workers’ Union secretary Richard Olsen said no company is above the law when it comes to the protection and welfare of its workers in the resolution.
“Compared to Qantas, Theo has shown that employee protection will have to come first,” Olsen said.
“This lawsuit was a game-changer and encouraged others to register court cases of discriminatory conduct under the WHS Act. This trust is a win for Theo and for each and every employee who deserves a respectful workplace.
Congratulations Teo.
Years after he illegally resigned, a conviction and $250,000 fine for Qantas. pic. twitter. com/gYClk2mwND
– TWU Australia (@TWUAus) March 6, 2024
Qantas said it accepted the sanction and told the court of the effect the incident had on Seremetidis and apologized to him.
“Safety has been our number one priority and we continue to inspire our workers to report any safety-related issues,” a Qantas spokesperson said.
Qantas has been embroiled in legal controversies over the past year, with several lawsuits filed against the national carrier. The High Court ruled that the airline had unlawfully fired about 1,700 plant employees during the pandemic.
For the alleged planned sale of flights that Qantas had already cancelled, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Chairwoman Gina Cass-Gottlieb said the regulator would ask for more than $250 million, double the fine ever imposed.
Top image: Qantas Airbus A380 at London’s Heathrow Airport – iStock/tupungato
Update your browser or allow Google Chrome Frame to adapt to your experience.
Wait while we connect you with LinkedIn.
It may take some time.
Be patient and refresh the page.
(A new LinkedIn window deserves to open to allow you to log in to Travel Weekly. If you don’t see this, check this window, and if it still doesn’t appear, check your browser’s settings and disable the pop-up. blocker. )
Never miss a story again. Subscribe now to receive news.