WestJet has agreed to pay $4.5 million to settle a sexual harassment class-action lawsuit that has been ongoing for ten years, involving over 3,000 flight attendants. The lead plaintiff and her lawyer confirmed that a B.C. judge has approved the settlement terms, which were finalized in June. WestJet expressed satisfaction in reaching the settlement.
The lawsuit stemmed from former flight attendant Mandalena Lewis’s allegations of sexual assault by a pilot during a layover in Hawaii in 2010. Following Lewis’s lawsuit in 2016, additional female employees from the airline came forward, leading to the case being certified as a class action by the B.C. Court of Appeal in 2022.
The flight attendants claimed that WestJet neglected to provide a safe working environment with sufficient anti-harassment measures. Lewis expressed relief that the case is concluded but voiced disappointment in not feeling that the plaintiffs received full justice. She highlighted her dissatisfaction with the symbolic monetary amount and WestJet’s lack of admission of wrongdoing.
The $4.5 million settlement will be divided among 3,452 flight attendants after deducting expenses, including legal fees, amounting to approximately $400 per flight attendant involved. Lewis also mentioned that the judge reduced her agreed-upon honorarium from $20,000 to $10,000.
WestJet stated its commitment to enhancing operations and training to prioritize the safety and well-being of its employees, aiming to foster a culture of empowerment. As part of the settlement, WestJet will engage a third-party consultant to conduct a workplace assessment to address harassment prevalence, underreporting, and enhance reporting and response systems.
Lewis described the legal process as a “nightmare,” detailing the toll it took on her physically and emotionally while supporting former flight attendants who shared their harassment experiences. She emphasized that sexual assault and harassment remain pervasive issues among female flight attendants in the airline industry.
Legal expert Joshua Coratti viewed the settlement as favorable for WestJet, alleviating the company from potential individual liability claims that could have been more costly. He noted that while individual plaintiffs may receive less monetary compensation in class-action lawsuits, such legal actions serve as a deterrent against misconduct.
The settlement marks a significant development in addressing workplace harassment issues within the airline industry, highlighting the importance of creating a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.