WestJet has reached a $4.5 million settlement to resolve a sexual harassment class-action lawsuit initiated over a decade ago by 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 their finalization in June. WestJet expressed contentment with the 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. Subsequently, additional female employees of the airline joined the case, leading to its classification as a class action by the B.C. Court of Appeal in 2022. The flight attendants alleged that WestJet neglected to provide a safe work environment with adequate anti-harassment measures.
Lewis expressed relief that the case had concluded but conveyed disappointment with the perceived lack of complete justice for the plaintiffs. She noted feeling disheartened by the nominal dollar amount and the absence of an admission of wrongdoing by WestJet in the settlement terms.
The $4.5 million settlement will be divided among 3,452 flight attendants after deductions for expenses, including legal fees, resulting in an average payout of around $400 per attendant involved in the suit. Additionally, the judge reduced Lewis’s agreed-upon honorarium from $20,000 to $10,000.
WestJet stated its commitment to enhancing operations and training to prioritize the safety and well-being of its employees, aiming to foster a culture of empowerment. As part of the settlement, the airline will engage a third-party consultant to conduct a workplace assessment focusing on the prevalence of harassment, underreporting, and enhancing reporting and response mechanisms.
Lewis described the legal process as a “nightmare,” highlighting the pervasive issue of sexual assault and harassment faced by female flight attendants within the airline industry. She emphasized her motivation for pursuing the case to address a significant problem affecting herself and her colleagues.
Legal expert Joshua Coratti viewed the settlement as advantageous for WestJet, as it shields the company from individual liability claims that could have been more costly. He explained that while class-action lawsuits often yield reduced monetary compensation for individual plaintiffs, they serve to deter companies from engaging in similar violations in the future.