WestJet will pay C$4.5 million to settle a class action by female flight attendants.
Why it matters: The deal adds to airline labor and compliance risk around harassment claims, reporting systems and workplace safety. It also shows how class actions can force employers to defend culture as well as compensation.
- A British Columbia judge approved the settlement on Aug. 11, 2026, after it was finalized June 22, 2026.
- The class action, filed in April 2016 by former WestJet flight attendant Mandalena Lewis, covers 3,452 female WestJet flight attendants.
- The allegations included claims that WestJet failed to keep a safe workplace and did not adequately address harassment and assault concerns.
- Under the agreement, WestJet will hire a third party to review harassment prevalence, underreporting and the effectiveness of its reporting systems.
WestJet has agreed to pay C$4.5 million to resolve a British Columbia class action brought by female flight attendants, according to The Guardian and the settlement materials filed in court.
The deal was approved by the British Columbia Supreme Court on Aug. 11, 2026, after the parties finalized it on June 22, 2026, according to the approval materials. The case was filed in April 2016 by former flight attendant Mandalena Lewis and covers 3,452 women who worked for WestJet between April 4, 2014 and Feb. 28, 2021.
Court materials say the lawsuit alleged a pilot sexually assaulted Lewis and another flight attendant, and that WestJet kept the pilot flying after complaints were raised. The settlement also requires WestJet to retain a third party to examine harassment prevalence, underreporting and how well employees use reporting systems.
For airline employers, the settlement matters because it goes beyond money. It puts reporting channels, training and workplace oversight under a legal lens at a time when companies are being pressed to show they can surface and address misconduct before it becomes class-wide liability.
WestJet said it was pleased to reach a mutually agreed settlement and said it remains committed to strengthening operations and training focused on safety and wellbeing, according to the approval materials. The documents also say the deal does not include several remedies the plaintiffs sought, including mandatory anti-harassment training for pilots, an admission of wrongdoing or an admission of breach of employee contract.
Lewis said, "We didn’t get justice here," in comments reported by The Globe and Mail.
By the numbers
- C$4.5 million - WestJet's settlement payment.
- 3,452 - female flight attendants covered by the class action.
- April 4, 2014 to Feb. 28, 2021 - the period covered by the class.
Yes, but: The deal resolves the claims without an admission of wrongdoing, and it stops short of some remedies plaintiffs sought.
What's next: WestJet's third-party review will examine harassment prevalence, underreporting and the effectiveness of its reporting systems.