WestJet Pays C$4.5 Million to Settle Harassment Lawsuit

WestJet agreed to pay C$4.5 million to settle a class action lawsuit filed by female flight attendants who alleged the airline failed to maintain a safe workplace. A British Columbia judge approved the settlement on August 11, 2026, following negotiations that concluded in June.

The lawsuit was initiated in 2016 by former flight attendant Mandalena Lewis, who claimed the airline violated employee contracts by failing to address sexual harassment and assault. Lewis alleged she was assaulted by a pilot in 2010 and that the company retaliated against her for reporting the incident.

Under the terms of the agreement, the airline will hire a third party to conduct a workplace inquiry into reporting systems and the prevalence of harassment. The settlement does not include an admission of wrongdoing or a requirement for mandatory anti-harassment training for pilots.

Lewis and other class members expressed disappointment with the payout amount. Lewis stated that they did not achieve justice and described herself as exhausted by the process.