WestJet has reached a $4.5 million settlement in a sexual harassment class-action lawsuit involving over 3,000 flight attendants that was initiated ten years ago. The lead plaintiff and her legal representative confirmed that the settlement terms were approved by a B.C. judge on Monday, following finalization in June. WestJet expressed satisfaction with the resolution.
The lawsuit originated from former flight attendant Mandalena Lewis’s allegations of a sexual assault by a pilot during a layover in Hawaii in 2010. Subsequently, additional female employees of the airline joined the case after it was certified as a class action by the B.C. Court of Appeal in 2022. The flight attendants contended that WestJet failed to establish a safe work environment with adequate anti-harassment protocols.
While Lewis acknowledged relief that the case concluded, she expressed disappointment regarding the perceived lack of complete justice for the plaintiffs. She highlighted her dissatisfaction with the nominal monetary compensation and WestJet’s non-admission of wrongdoing in the settlement terms.
The $4.5 million settlement will be divided among the 3,452 flight attendants after deducting expenses, including legal costs, equating to approximately $400 per flight attendant involved in the lawsuit. Lewis mentioned that the judge reduced her agreed honorarium from $20,000 to $10,000.
WestJet conveyed its commitment to enhancing operational and training aspects focused on the safety and well-being of its workforce while striving to promote a culture of empowerment. As part of the settlement, the airline will engage a third-party consultant to conduct a workplace assessment to gauge the prevalence of harassment, underreporting levels, and ways to enhance reporting and response mechanisms.
Lewis described the legal process as a “nightmare,” citing the physical and emotional toll of supporting numerous former flight attendants who shared their sexual harassment experiences. She emphasized that the issue of sexual assault and harassment among female flight attendants remains prevalent within the aviation sector.
The settlement absolves WestJet of individual liability claims from plaintiffs, potentially sparing the company from higher costs. Legal experts view the settlement as favorable for the airline, noting that class-action lawsuits often yield reduced monetary compensation for individual plaintiffs, with substantial legal fees typically benefiting lawyers. Nevertheless, such settlements serve to deter companies from engaging in misconduct and reinforce behavioral standards.