Qantas baggage handlers TikTok video: airline responds after video of workers slamming baggage went viral

Qantas has reacted after viral footage showed baggage handlers laughing as they kicked, hurled and knocked down luggage onto a conveyor belt at Melbourne Airport.

The airline and its baggage handler contractor have launched an urgent investigation after a TikTok video surfaced of workers’ “disrespectful” actions.

WATCH ABOVE: Baggage handlers caught mistreating baggage at Melbourne airport

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The footage shows three porters roughly throwing the bags onto the conveyor belt.

Some suitcases were thrown so aggressively that they bounced off the belt.

On two other occasions, a worker is shown lifting a bag over his head and violently slamming it onto the conveyor belt.

In another instance, one of the handlers throws a bag far from where he is – even though there is space on the tape in front of him.

A Qantas spokesman has condemned the dealers’ actions.

“The behavior in this video is clearly unacceptable and our assigned ground staff are conducting an urgent investigation,” a Qantas spokesman told 7NEWS.com.au.

Qantas chooses Swissport for its ground handling services at Melbourne Airport.

A Swissport spokesman has confirmed that the handlers in question have been removed because of the incident.

“Swissport trains and manages all staff to handle customer property carefully and conscientiously,” a Swissport spokesman told 7NEWS.com.au.

“The actions of the staff in the video appear to have violated these service level standards.

“As a result, the staff in question have been fired pending an urgent investigation.”

Swissport CEO Brad Moore also spoke of the “unacceptable” incident in an email to all employees.

“It is with regret that I have to report that evidence emerged today of Swissport employees handling customer baggage in an unacceptable manner,” the email reads.

“Safety, service and quality form the basis of who we are.

“Our team of 3000 across the network works hard to ensure these standards are met and it is important that we take action when these standards are violated by a small group of individuals.

“The behaviors in the video have let us all down – especially our frontline workers who have worked so hard during the post-CoVID ramp-up to ensure quality standards under sometimes challenging circumstances.

“Disrespectful behavior towards our customers’ luggage and personal belongings will not be tolerated and will result in serious disciplinary action. The people in the video have been withdrawn due to urgent investigations.

“Since the video was posted, I have received many messages from team members across the network sharing these concerns while expressing their commitment to our security and service standards. We cannot allow the actions of a very small minority to undermine the excellent standards of many.

“I want to express my support for our frontline team members and the quality work they do every day.

“Rest assured that this matter is being urgently investigated with appropriate follow-up action. The unacceptable behavior of a few individuals will not go unchecked and must not affect the quality work of our entire team.”