This video shows how Swissport employees mistreat suitcases Stereotypical image of women: Neocitran advertising is criticized for sexism

Anyone who sees this video will think twice about checking their suitcase on their next flight. In the video, which is doing the rounds on social media, three employees of the Swiss company Swissport can be seen working in the baggage sorting hall. However, they do this in an extremely brutal way.

Sometimes they smash the bags into the gang like a soccer ball for a touchdown, other times they throw the bags through the air so that they miss the gang and land on the ground – and are therefore unlikely to fly with the passenger.

According to international media reports, the recordings are of baggage sorting at Melbourne Airport. Swissport, based in Zurich, has released the three men, according to the industry portal “Aerotelegraph”.

“Disrespectful behavior towards our customers’ luggage and personal belongings will not be tolerated and will result in serious disciplinary action,” the head of the Australian subsidiary said in a statement.

Video damages the image of the whole team

He also makes it clear that the recordings harm the other employees: “We cannot allow the actions of a very small minority to undermine the first-class standards of many.”

Last summer, when air traffic rose sharply again, but the industry was struggling with staff shortages, there was a suitcase chaos at numerous international airports. Baggage has arrived at the destination with a lot of delay or has ended up somewhere else.

There was also a staff shortage at Swissport, as the company had reduced the number of employees from 65,000 to 40,000 during the pandemic. The unions sharply criticized management and complained about the physical and psychological stress at work.

GPS tracker to track suitcases

Out of fear, many passengers have equipped their suitcases with GPS trackers, so that they can track their luggage digitally. In an interview with CH Media, Swisssport boss Warwick Brady did not advise against this measure in principle. But: “The only question is what the use is. If you know your bag is in Chicago and you’re somewhere in Schwyz, it can be even more frustrating.”

Brady advocated for an industry-wide platform for passengers and airlines to track the piece of luggage so that shipment can take place as quickly as possible, also in partnership with companies such as SBB. (aargauerzeitung.ch)