Air Canada Baggage Handlers Abuse Checked Luggage [Video]
Baggage handlers for a Canadian airline were videotaped tossing baggage about twenty feet into a bin rather than actually handling it. YouTube user Dwayne Stewart uploaded the video on Thursday showing the reckless care of customers’ checked baggage.
So my tripod *did not* break itself?! MT @GlobalEdmonton Air Canada baggage handlers toss luggage off jetway stairs http://t.co/FwGoRO8Ojt
— Ryan Dittrick (@ryandittrick) April 19, 2014
The Canadian airline has suspended the two baggage handlers pending further investigation, according to CBC News. The baggage handlers neglected to use the staircase to carry the luggage for transporting to the plane. “The employees involved have been suspended and advised that their employment will be terminated pending the outcome of our investigation,” Air Canada spokeswoman Angela Mah told CBC News.
In a statement the airline said, “In light of a recent video posted to YouTube, we would like to apologize for the totally unacceptable mishandling of our passengers’ baggage captured on video.” The company went on to say the baggage handlers were not following procedure. “We take matters involving the protection of our customers’ personal possessions very seriously. The actions of these individuals are not representative of the vast majority of our employees who work hard every day to take care of our customers.” While some online social commentators are glad the two have been suspended and may be fired, others question why the airline wouldn’t provide a mechanical lift for the job in the first place.
Most interesting part of the Air Canada baggage video story is the comments. Lots of support for the workers. http://t.co/DkKEGuLyOK
— Jody White (@JodyJodyWhite) April 21, 2014
One YouTube user felt sympathy for the employees, “It is partially Air Canada’s fault as well. Think about it, why did this guy toss baggage, probably because he didn’t feel happy at work. Why he’s not happy, probably because his employer does not treat him well. So the solution is not as simple as firing that guy. ”
Stewart, who uploaded the video of the baggage “droppers” to YouTube, said, “This was luggage people brought on the aircraft with the expectation they were going to hang on to it. When I do that I know I put valuable things in my luggage. I might have a camera. I might have gifts for my kids.” This isn’t the first time baggage handlers’ shenanigans have been caught on tape. Air Canada joins the ranks of China Southern who dealt with similar baggage handler problems last year.
