WestJet has agreed to pay $4.5 million to settle a sexual harassment class-action lawsuit that was initiated ten years ago by more than 3,000 flight attendants, as confirmed by the lead plaintiff and her legal representative. The settlement terms, which were finalized in June, were approved by a B.C. judge on Monday. WestJet expressed satisfaction with the resolution.
The lawsuit originated in 2010 when former flight attendant Mandalena Lewis accused a pilot of sexually assaulting her during a layover in Hawaii. Subsequently, in 2016, additional female employees of 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 alleged that WestJet did not provide a safe work environment with adequate anti-harassment measures.
Despite feeling relieved that the case has concluded, Lewis expressed disappointment that the plaintiffs did not receive what she considers “full justice.” She voiced her dissatisfaction with the nominal dollar amount and the absence of an admission of wrongdoing by WestJet under the terms of the agreement. The $4.5 million settlement will be divided among 3,452 flight attendants after deducting expenses, including legal fees, equating to approximately $400 per attendant involved in the lawsuit. Additionally, Lewis noted that the judge reduced her agreed-upon honorarium from $20,000 to $10,000.
WestJet emphasized its commitment to enhancing operations and training to prioritize the safety and well-being of its employees. The settlement mandates WestJet to engage a third-party consultant to conduct a workplace assessment to gauge the prevalence of harassment, the extent of underreporting, and ways to improve reporting and response systems effectively.
Lewis described the legal process as a “nightmare” due to the exhaustive toll it took on her physically and emotionally while supporting over 100 former flight attendants with their harassment experiences. She highlighted the enduring issue of sexual assault and harassment faced by female flight attendants in the airline industry today, emphasizing the need for change and support.
A lawyer specializing in employment law commended the settlement as favorable for WestJet, as it shields the company from individual liability claims that could have been more financially burdensome. The lawyer also noted that while class-action lawsuits typically yield lower monetary compensation on a per-plaintiff basis, they serve as a deterrent against future misconduct by companies.
Overall, the resolution of the lawsuit represents a significant milestone in addressing workplace harassment issues within the airline industry.