Canadian airline WestJet agrees to settle flight attendants’ sexual harassment class action
Summary
WestJet, a Canadian airline, has agreed to pay C$4.5 million to settle a class action lawsuit brought by female flight attendants over sexual harassment claims. The settlement will be shared among more than 3,400 flight attendants and includes hiring an independent group to investigate workplace harassment.Key Facts
- WestJet faced a class action lawsuit alleging it failed to provide a safe workplace free from sexual harassment.
- The lawsuit was filed in 2016 by Mandalena Lewis, a former flight attendant who reported being sexually assaulted by a WestJet pilot.
- Despite reports, the pilot involved remained employed by WestJet, raising concerns about employee safety.
- A British Columbia judge approved the C$4.5 million settlement in June 2024.
- The payment will be divided among 3,452 flight attendants after legal fees and expenses are deducted.
- WestJet agreed to hire an independent third party to review harassment issues and improve reporting systems.
- The settlement does not include mandatory anti-harassment training for pilots or an admission of wrongdoing by WestJet.
- Some members of the class action expressed disappointment with the settlement, feeling the payout was low and that the airline lacked accountability.
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