WestJet has agreed to pay $4.5 million to settle a decade-old sexual harassment class-action lawsuit 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 B.C. judge on Monday. WestJet expressed satisfaction with reaching a resolution.
The lawsuit stemmed from former flight attendant Mandalena Lewis’s claim of being sexually assaulted by a pilot during a layover in Hawaii in 2010. Following the initiation of legal proceedings in 2016, additional female employees of the airline joined the case, leading to its certification as a class action by the B.C. Court of Appeal in 2022.
Allegations from the flight attendants pointed to WestJet’s purported failure to maintain a safe work environment with adequate anti-harassment protocols. While Lewis expressed relief over the case’s conclusion, she voiced disappointment in the perceived lack of complete justice for the plaintiffs. She highlighted her dissatisfaction with the nominal settlement amount and WestJet’s non-admission of wrongdoing.
The $4.5 million settlement will be divided among 3,452 flight attendants after deducting expenses, including legal costs, amounting to approximately $400 per attendant involved. Lewis mentioned that the judge reduced her agreed-upon honorarium in the settlement from $20,000 to $10,000. Despite her reservations about the settlement figure, she emphasized the importance of setting a legal precedent.
In response to the settlement, WestJet emphasized its commitment to bolstering operational and training frameworks to prioritize the safety and well-being of its employees. As part of the agreement, the airline will engage a third-party consultant to conduct a workplace assessment to evaluate the prevalence of harassment, underreporting levels, and enhance reporting and response mechanisms.
Lewis described the legal process as a “nightmare,” detailing the emotional and physical toll of supporting numerous former flight attendants who shared their harassment experiences. She underscored the persistent issue of sexual assault and harassment within the airline industry and her motivation to address such systemic challenges.
Legal expert Joshua Coratti viewed the settlement favorably for WestJet, noting that it shields the airline from individual liability claims that could have been more financially burdensome. While acknowledging the lower individual compensation typical in class-action lawsuits, he highlighted the deterrence effect such settlements can have on corporate conduct.