WestJet settles $4.5M sexual harassment lawsuit with 3,452 flight attendants
A B.C. judge approved the settlement over alleged failures to provide safe workplace protections. Lead plaintiff says WestJet did not admit wrongdoing.
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WestJet has agreed to pay $4.5 million to settle a sexual harassment class-action lawsuit involving more than 3,000 flight attendants, after a B.C. judge approved the settlement terms on Monday. The case was certified by the B.C. Court of Appeal in 2022.
Former flight attendant Mandalena Lewis launched the original lawsuit in 2016 after alleging a pilot sexually assaulted her on a layover in Hawaii in 2010. After she filed, other female flight attendants came forward with similar allegations, claiming WestJet failed to provide a safe workplace with adequate anti-harassment measures.
The $4.5 million will be distributed among 3,452 flight attendants after legal fees and expenses are deducted, working out to roughly $400 per person. Lewis's individual honorarium was reduced from $20,000 to $10,000.
Lewis said she is relieved the case is closed but feels the plaintiffs did not achieve full justice. "It's the best we could get given the circumstances. I had to fight tooth and nail for these slivers," she said. She described the settlement amount as symbolic and expressed frustration that WestJet did not admit wrongdoing under the terms.
Under the settlement agreement, WestJet must retain a third-party consultant to conduct a workplace assessment examining the prevalence of harassment, underreporting, and how to improve reporting and response systems.
By the numbers
How much is WestJet paying to settle the sexual harassment lawsuit?
WestJet agreed to pay $4.5 million to settle the class-action lawsuit involving flight attendants alleging the airline failed to provide workplace protections against harassment.
How many flight attendants are included in the settlement?
The settlement covers 3,452 flight attendants, who will each receive roughly $400 after legal fees and expenses are deducted.
When was the settlement approved?
A B.C. judge approved the settlement on Monday, August 17, 2026.
What must WestJet do as part of the settlement?
WestJet must hire a third-party consultant to conduct a workplace assessment examining harassment prevalence, underreporting issues, and ways to improve reporting and response systems.
