A $4.5 million settlement hangs in the balance for thousands of WestJet flight attendants, a potential resolution to a class-action lawsuit alleging a failure to protect them from workplace harassment. The promise of financial relief, however, is currently stalled, awaiting official approval after concerns arose regarding the initial review period.
The lawsuit, brought forth by 3,500 female cabin crew members, centered on WestJet’s alleged lack of comprehensive anti-harassment programs. Court documents reveal the core claim: a breach of contractual terms by failing to cultivate a safe and respectful work environment for its employees.
A critical element of the proposed settlement – and a point of contention for many involved – is WestJet’s explicit assumption of no liability. This clause, initially omitted from a preliminary draft, sparked debate about the true value of the agreement for those who experienced harassment.
Justice Jacqueline Hughes of the B.C. Supreme Court voiced concerns over the extremely limited three-day window initially provided for class members to review the settlement. This timeframe fell far short of the customary month, raising questions about adequate consideration.
The legal battle, spanning from April 4, 2016, to February 28, 2021, has been marked by accusations of delay tactics. Plaintiffs alleged WestJet repeatedly failed to provide necessary documentation promptly, hindering the progress of the case.
Justice Hughes, in a December 2024 ruling, echoed these concerns, describing WestJet’s document production as “dilatory and, at times, potentially adversarial.” She noted the company should have requested extensions if meeting deadlines proved challenging.
These delays contributed to a year-long adjournment, ultimately concluding in October 2025. The slow pace of information sharing fueled frustration among the plaintiffs, prolonging an already arduous legal process.
Class members now have until March 23 to thoroughly examine the settlement terms. The case is scheduled to return to court on May 7, where a final decision regarding approval will be made, determining whether this significant sum will finally reach those who sought justice.
Beyond the financial aspect, the lawsuit sought to compel WestJet to relinquish profits gained while allegedly failing to address the harassment issue. The argument centered on the idea that the benefit to the class members, in terms of a safe workplace, was immeasurable and deserved recompense.
