ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

An Australian-based cleaner has been awarded compensation after he refused to clean aircraft during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Qantas relieved Theo Seremetidis of his duties in February 2020 after the operative directed others to stop cleaning and servicing planes under the Work Health and Safety Act.

Theo Seremetidis, a trained health and safety representative, gave the direction to colleagues over concerns about the spread of the virus. On the following day, the Australian government closed its borders to all direct flights from China.

Prosecution barrister Matthew Moir claimed that Qantas had given priority to its commercial and operational interests over the health and safety of workers. And he said the airline's decision to stand Seremetidis down had come from the "upper echelons" of the company.

"They all held substantial positions of power over Mr Seremetidis," he said. "He was removed from the workplace and was not allowed to return." Qantas has been found guilty of breaching workplace health and safety laws.

The Australian airline has agreed to pay Seremetidis AUS$21,000 for his economic loss and a further $15,000 for "hurt and humiliation". The court is yet to determine Qantas's full liability in terms of fines, compensation and costs.

The Transport Workers Union has welcomed the court's decision, claiming the order marks a historic win for workers' rights and safety advocacy. This is believed to be the first case in which a major airline has faced a criminal prosecution for violations of workplace safety regulations.