WestJet has agreed to settle a decade-old sexual harassment class-action lawsuit involving over 3,000 flight attendants by paying $4.5 million, as confirmed by the lead plaintiff and her legal representative. The settlement terms, approved by a B.C. judge on Monday and finalized in June, were welcomed by WestJet in a statement expressing their satisfaction with the resolution.
The lawsuit was initiated by former flight attendant Mandalena Lewis, who alleged a pilot sexually assaulted her during a layover in Hawaii in 2010. Subsequently, other female airline employees joined the case, leading to its classification as a class action by the B.C. Court of Appeal in 2022. The flight attendants accused WestJet of failing to ensure a safe work environment with adequate anti-harassment measures.
Despite acknowledging relief that the case has concluded, Lewis expressed dissatisfaction with what she perceived as insufficient justice for the plaintiffs. She criticized the nominal amount of the settlement and WestJet’s failure to admit wrongdoing as part of the agreement, stating she had to vigorously advocate to secure even small concessions.
After deducting expenses, including legal fees, the $4.5 million settlement will be dispersed among the 3,452 flight attendants involved, equating to approximately $400 per individual. Lewis noted that the judge reduced her agreed-upon honorarium to $10,000 from $20,000, underscoring her disappointment with the overall outcome.
WestJet highlighted its commitment to enhancing operational practices and training to prioritize the safety and well-being of its employees, emphasizing efforts to promote a culture of empowerment. As part of the settlement conditions, the company will engage a third-party consultant to conduct a workplace assessment aimed at evaluating harassment prevalence, underreporting extent, and enhancing reporting and response mechanisms.
Describing her legal journey as a “nightmare,” Lewis detailed the emotional and physical toll of supporting numerous former flight attendants who shared their harassment experiences. She emphasized the ongoing systemic issue of sexual assault and harassment faced by female flight attendants within the aviation sector, underscoring her motivation to address the pervasive problem and support her colleagues.
Legal expert Joshua Coratti viewed the settlement favorably for WestJet, highlighting its potential cost-saving benefits by resolving individual claims and deterring future violations. Despite the perceived shortcomings in individual compensations, he noted the broader impact of such class-action lawsuits in discouraging misconduct and promoting accountability within corporate settings.
