Court approves $4.5M settlement in WestJet flight attendant harassment case

A British Columbia court has approved a $4.5 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit concerning workplace harassment experienced by flight attendants at WestJet. The settlement, deemed fair and in the best interest of eligible employees, marks the end of a legal battle that began in 2016.

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I still feel anger. I’m glad this is over, framing the outcome as “the absolute best we could get.”

The lawsuit alleged that WestJet failed to uphold its contractual obligation to provide a harassment-free work environment. It applied to more than 3,400 current and former female flight attendants who worked for the airline between April 2014 and February 2021. The settlement does not constitute an admission of liability or wrongdoing by WestJet.

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It’s just a gross feeling.

Mandalena Lewis, a former flight attendant who spearheaded the suit, expressed a "whole wave of emotions," including anger, but relief that it is over. She described the outcome as "the absolute best we could get." However, Lewis noted that the settlement amount, which works out to less than $500 per recipient, and the required company measures fall short of her initial hopes, leaving her with a "gross feeling."

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They don’t have to do anything with that information.

The agreement mandates WestJet to engage a third party to assess the prevalence of harassment, underreporting, and the effectiveness of its response systems. WestJet stated it is pleased to reach the settlement and is committed to strengthening its operations and training to enhance the safety and well-being of its employees, aiming to advance a culture of empowerment.

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Equally as important, we are committed to strengthening our operations and training, focused on the safety and well-being of all WestJetters and we are focused on advancing a culture of empowerment.