Workplace ombudsman prosecuting Jetstar

Qantas offshoot Jetstar could face hefty fines if allegations are proved that it hired trainee pilots from New Zealand on individual contracts but did not pay them superannuation and charged them for training in Australia.

The Fair Work Ombudsman launched legal action on Monday against Australian companies Jetstar Airways Pty Ltd and Jetstar Group Pty Ltd and New Zealand entity Jetstar Airways Limited.

Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson alleges Jetstar Airways Limited breached workplace laws when it hired the trainee pilots on individual contracts in New Zealand, when it was foreseeable they would work predominantly in Australia.

The six pilots were recruited between October 2010 and January 2011 and given six months training in Australia under the airline's cadet program, according to documents lodged in the Federal Court.

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