WestJet has agreed to pay $4.5 million to settle a sexual harassment class-action lawsuit that was initiated ten years ago involving over 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 judge in British Columbia on Monday. WestJet expressed contentment in reaching a settlement.
The lawsuit, brought forth by former flight attendant Mandalena Lewis in 2016 after an alleged sexual assault by a pilot during a layover in Hawaii in 2010, led to other female airline employees joining the case. In 2022, the B.C. Court of Appeal certified the case as a class action. The flight attendants accused WestJet of neglecting to establish a safe work environment with sufficient anti-harassment measures.
Lewis expressed relief that the case is concluded but voiced disappointment in not feeling that the plaintiffs received complete justice. She cited the “symbolic” dollar amount and WestJet’s lack of admission of wrongdoing under the settlement terms as factors that left her feeling disheartened.
The $4.5 million settlement will be divided among the 3,452 flight attendants involved in the suit after deducting expenses, including legal fees, amounting to approximately $400 per flight attendant. Additionally, Lewis mentioned that the judge reduced her agreed honorarium from $20,000 to $10,000.
WestJet stated in an email to CBC News its commitment to enhancing operations and training to prioritize the safety and well-being of all employees, aiming to foster a culture of empowerment. As part of the settlement, WestJet is required to engage a third-party consultant to conduct a workplace assessment focusing on the prevalence of harassment, underreporting, and improving reporting and response systems.
Lewis described the legal process as a “nightmare,” highlighting the pervasive nature of sexual assault and harassment faced by female flight attendants within the airline industry. She emphasized taking on the case to address this significant issue and provide support to fellow flight attendants who have undergone similar experiences.
Joshua Coratti, an associate lawyer at Ball Professional Corporation in Toronto, viewed the settlement as favorable for WestJet, noting that it shields the company from individual liability claims that could have been more financially burdensome. Coratti explained that class-action lawsuits often result in lower monetary compensations for individual plaintiffs, with lawyers typically benefiting the most from legal fees.
Overall, the settlement marks a significant step in addressing workplace harassment issues within the airline industry while highlighting the importance of establishing and maintaining safe and respectful work environments.