Baggage handlers filmed throwing Qantas luggage at airport stood down pending investigation

Baggage handlers who were filmed laughing and hurling luggage onto an airport conveyor belt have been stood down by company Swissport for the “disrespectful behaviour”.

The video shows three workers picking up bags from a Qantas container and throwing them onto the belt. It is believed the vision was filmed at Melbourne Airport.

The workers appear to laugh and joke as they pick the suitcases up and throw them with force.

The ABC has not been able to verify the original source of the video, which has been shared widely across multiple social media platforms and resulted in heavy criticism.

A spokesperson for Swissport confirmed late on Saturday morning “the staff in question have been stood down pending an urgent investigation”.

Swissport is a multinational cargo services provider which is contracted to provide a range of services at airports, including baggage handling.

Its Australasian CEO Brad Moore confirmed the action in a note to staff, where he said the video showed “Swissport Staff handling customer luggage in an unacceptable manner”.

“Disrespectful behaviour to our customer luggage and personal effects will not be tolerated and will result in serious disciplinary action. The individuals in the video have been stood down pending urgent investigation,” he wrote.

“Since the video was released, I have received many messages from team members across the network, sharing these concerns and equally voicing their commitment to our Safety and Service standards. We cannot allow the actions of a very small minority to undermine the first class standards of the many.”

Mr Moore said the matter would be “investigated with urgency with appropriate follow up action”.

“The behaviours in the video let all of us down – most importantly our frontline staff who have worked so hard through Post CoVID ramp Up to assure quality standards in at times challenging circumstances,” he said.