WestJet has agreed to pay $4.5 million to settle a sexual harassment class-action lawsuit involving over 3,000 flight attendants that was initiated ten years ago, according to the main 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 settlement.
The lawsuit stemmed from a 2010 incident in which former flight attendant Mandalena Lewis accused a pilot of sexually assaulting her during a layover in Hawaii. This led to the certification of the case as a class action by the B.C. Court of Appeal in 2022, as more female employees of the airline stepped forward. Allegations included WestJet’s failure to create a safe work environment with sufficient anti-harassment protocols.
Lewis, speaking to CBC News, expressed relief that the case has concluded but voiced disappointment in the settlement amount, describing it as symbolic. The $4.5 million settlement will be divided among the 3,452 flight attendants involved after deductions for expenses and legal fees, amounting to approximately $400 per attendant. Additionally, Lewis mentioned that the judge reduced her agreed honorarium to $10,000 from $20,000.
Under the settlement terms, WestJet will hire a third-party consultant to assess workplace conditions for harassment prevalence, underreporting levels, and improve reporting mechanisms. Lewis, in an affidavit, described the legal process as a nightmare due to the emotional strain of supporting numerous flight attendants with similar experiences.
Despite the settlement, Lewis emphasized that sexual assault and harassment among female flight attendants remain prevalent issues in the aviation sector. She noted that the legal action aimed to address these systemic problems and create awareness within the industry. WestJet, in response to the settlement, reiterated its commitment to enhancing operational procedures and fostering a culture of empowerment.
Legal expert Joshua Coratti viewed the settlement favorably for WestJet, noting that it shields the airline from individual claims and potential higher costs. He highlighted that while class-action lawsuits may yield lower compensation for individual plaintiffs, they serve as a deterrent against misconduct by corporations.