Qantas ordered to pay $170,000 to three workers illegally sacked at start of pandemic

Judge rebukes airline for vast legal costs' expended to defend claims of illegally firing baggage handlers

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

Qantas is facing a hefty compensation bill expected to exceed $100m as it braces for the fallout of its decision to illegally sack almost 1,700 baggage handlers in 2020.

Justice Michael Lee ruled on Monday that three test cases should receive $30,000, $40,000 and $100,000. They suffered varying amounts of non-economic loss", the court ruled, which refers to hardship and distress caused by the airline.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email