In this episode of The HR Cartel Podcast, we break down one of the most talked-about industrial relations cases in recent history; the Qantas outsourcing saga that led to a staggering $90 million penalty, including a $50 million pay out to the Transport Workers Union.
We unpack what really happened behind the headlines:
Why Qantas’ decision to outsource was technically legal and yet they still lost.
How the reverse onus system empowered the TWU to pursue the case without concrete evidence.
Why this judgment has supercharged incentives for unions and law firms to run high-stakes actions against employers.
What this means for small and medium-sized businesses who may now face more aggressive claims.
Practical takeaways for employers on outsourcing, redundancies, and protecting yourself against adverse action claims.
This isn’t just about Qantas. It’s about a seismic shift in the IR landscape that every Australian employer needs to understand. If you employ people, especially in a unionised environment, this episode could save you from costly mistakes.
Listen now and stay ahead of the game.
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Links:
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