WestJet has reached a $4.5 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit concerning sexual harassment claims brought by over 3,000 flight attendants, as confirmed by the lead plaintiff and her attorney. The settlement terms, which were finalized in June and recently approved by a B.C. judge, have been welcomed by WestJet as a positive resolution.
The lawsuit stemmed from an incident in 2010 when former flight attendant Mandalena Lewis alleged she was sexually assaulted by a pilot during a layover in Hawaii. Subsequently, in 2016, additional women from the airline came forward, leading to the certification of the case as a class action by the B.C. Court of Appeal in 2022.
The flight attendants accused WestJet of failing to provide a safe working environment with sufficient anti-harassment safeguards. While Lewis expressed relief that the case has concluded, she voiced disappointment over what she perceived as inadequate justice, citing the modest financial compensation and WestJet’s lack of admission of wrongdoing in the settlement agreement.
The $4.5 million settlement will be divided among 3,452 flight attendants after deducting expenses, including legal costs, translating to an approximate payout of $400 per flight attendant involved. Additionally, Lewis mentioned that the judge had 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. As part of the settlement, the airline is required to engage a third-party consultant to conduct a workplace evaluation to assess the prevalence of harassment, address underreporting issues, and enhance reporting and response mechanisms.
Lewis described the legal process as a “nightmare,” citing the emotional and physical toll of supporting numerous former flight attendants who shared their harassment experiences. She emphasized that sexual assault and harassment within the airline industry remain pervasive issues that need addressing.
Legal expert Joshua Coratti suggested that the settlement appears favorable for WestJet, shielding the company from potential individual claims and higher costs. He noted that while class-action lawsuits may yield lower monetary compensation for each plaintiff, they can serve as a deterrent against misconduct and encourage companies to uphold standards of conduct.
The settlement marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address workplace harassment and underscores the importance of creating safe and respectful environments for all employees.
[Image: Mandalena Lewis in a video interview with CBC News Wednesday. Lewis expresses relief that the legal process has concluded but feels the plaintiffs did not receive ‘full justice.’ – CBC News]
