WestJet has agreed to pay $4.5 million to settle a sexual harassment class-action lawsuit that was initiated over a decade ago and involved more than 3,000 flight attendants. The lead plaintiff and her legal representative confirmed that the terms of the settlement were approved by a B.C. judge on Monday, following finalization in June. WestJet expressed satisfaction with reaching this settlement.
The lawsuit stemmed from former flight attendant Mandalena Lewis’s allegations of a pilot sexually assaulting her during a layover in Hawaii in 2010. Subsequently, in 2016, after Lewis filed a lawsuit, additional female employees of the airline came forward, leading to the case being certified as a class action by the B.C. Court of Appeal in 2022.
Flight attendants asserted that WestJet had not provided a safe working environment with sufficient anti-harassment measures. Despite feeling relieved that the case is concluded, Lewis expressed disappointment at the perceived lack of “full justice,” citing the symbolic monetary amount and WestJet’s non-admission of wrongdoing as part of the agreement.
The $4.5 million settlement will be divided among 3,452 flight attendants after deducting expenses, including legal costs. This equates to approximately $400 per flight attendant involved in the lawsuit. Lewis mentioned that the judge also reduced her agreed honorarium payout 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 its employees, emphasizing the promotion of an empowering culture. As per the settlement terms, WestJet will engage a third-party consultant to conduct a workplace assessment aimed at gauging the prevalence of harassment, underreporting levels, and enhancing reporting and response mechanisms.
Describing the legal process as a “nightmare,” Lewis highlighted the systemic issue of sexual assault and harassment faced by female flight attendants within the aviation industry. She emphasized her advocacy for herself and fellow flight attendants who have encountered similar challenges.
Addressing the settlement, lawyer Joshua Coratti from Ball Professional Corporation in Toronto viewed it favorably for WestJet, noting that it shields the company from individual liability claims that could have been more financially burdensome. He remarked that such class-action lawsuits often result in lower monetary compensation for individual plaintiffs while benefiting legal practitioners with substantial fees. Coratti suggested that these legal actions can serve as deterrents against future misconduct by companies.