WestJet Reaches $4.5 Million Settlement in Flight Attendant Harassment Lawsuit

WestJet has agreed to a $4.5 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit filed approximately ten years ago, which included allegations of sexual harassment involving more than 3,000 flight attendants. A British Columbia judge officially approved the settlement terms recently. The airline stated it is pleased to have reached a resolution.

The lawsuit was initiated by a former flight attendant who alleged sexual assault by a pilot during a 2010 layover. Following her legal action in 2016, other female employees came forward, and the case was certified as a class action in 2022. Flight attendants involved claimed WestJet failed to provide a secure work environment with sufficient anti-harassment protocols.

The settlement funds, after legal fees and expenses, will be distributed among 3,452 flight attendants, amounting to approximately $400 per individual. The lead plaintiff's honorarium was also reduced as part of the agreement. She conveyed a sense of relief that the legal proceedings are concluded but also disappointment that the settlement does not involve an admission of wrongdoing by the company and that the financial compensation is perceived as symbolic.

As part of the settlement, WestJet will engage a third-party consultant to conduct a workplace assessment. This assessment aims to identify the extent of harassment, issues with reporting, and opportunities to improve response mechanisms. The airline has stated its commitment to enhancing its operations and training to foster a culture of empowerment and ensure the well-being of its employees.

Legal experts suggest that while class-action settlements often result in smaller individual payouts compared to potential damages in individual lawsuits, they can serve as a deterrent against widespread misconduct and signal that certain behaviours are unacceptable within the industry.