WestJet Faces $4.5 Million Payout in Flight Attendant Harassment Case
A British Columbia court has ordered WestJet Airlines Ltd. to pay $4.5 million to thousands of female flight attendants as part of a settlement over the company's failure to implement adequate anti-harassment programs. However, the settlement's finalization has been delayed, with class members now having until March 23, 2026, to review the terms before the case returns to court on May 7.
Class Action Involves 3,500 Female Cabin Crew Members
The settlement stems from a class-action lawsuit filed by 3,500 female cabin crew members who alleged WestJet breached employment contracts by not designing, implementing, and maintaining proper workplace harassment prevention programs. The lawsuit, known as Lewis v. WestJet Airlines Ltd., was initially filed with the British Columbia Court of Appeal in 2022 and covers the period from April 4, 2016, to February 28, 2021.
B.C. Supreme Court Justice Jacqueline Hughes expressed concern that class members were initially given only three days to review and approve the settlement, rather than the standard one-month period. This prompted an extension, allowing more time for consideration.
Liability Waiver Raises Concerns Among Class Members
A significant point of contention in the settlement is WestJet's assumption of no liability under the agreement. Court documents reveal that a preliminary version of the settlement sent to class members weeks ago omitted portions absolving WestJet of liability, which many class members consider crucial to their acceptance of the terms.
The lawsuit alleges WestJet benefited from not having measurable anti-harassment programs, with the appellant seeking disgorgement of profits. Justice Hughes noted in December 2024 that WestJet's approach to document production had been "dilatory and, at times, potentially adversarial," contributing to delays. The airline's slow pace in providing evidence led to a year-long adjournment that ended in October 2025.
Long Legal Battle with Ongoing Delays
The legal process has been described as frustratingly slow for class members. WestJet was accused in 2024 court filings of delaying the trial by not providing evidence in a timely manner. Justice Hughes wrote that if WestJet couldn't produce documents within required timelines, it should have sought extensions, but instead, its actions prolonged the proceedings.
As the settlement review period continues, the outcome will depend on class members' acceptance of terms that include the liability waiver. The case highlights ongoing challenges in workplace harassment litigation and corporate accountability in the aviation industry.
