In a significant legal development, the British Columbia Supreme Court has ordered WestJet to fully disclose all its files related to harassment of flight attendants.
This ruling stems from a class-action lawsuit originally filed in 2016. Flight attendants have alleged that WestJet breached its contractual obligation to provide a safe and harassment-free workplace.
Alleged Widespread Misconduct by Pilots
The lawsuit contends that widespread misconduct by pilots has created a hostile work environment for flight attendants.
While WestJet has provided 24 harassment complaints, internal statistics suggest a significantly higher number of incidents. Some of these complaints involve serious offenses, including sexual harassment and assault.
The court found WestJet’s document production process to be slow and potentially obstructive. Justice Jacqueline Hughes, in her ruling, stated that WestJet had been “slow and ‘potentially adversarial'” regarding the production of documents.
This delay has had a significant impact on the legal proceedings, resulting in the trial being postponed until October 2025.
Files Requested are Crucial to Case
The flight attendants’ legal team argued that these files are crucial to their case and that WestJet’s reluctance to fully cooperate hinders their ability to present a strong defense.
They emphasized that a comprehensive understanding of the extent of harassment within the company was essential. It would demonstrate the systemic nature of the problem and hold WestJet accountable for its failure to address it effectively.
About WestJet
WestJet Airlines Ltd. is a Canadian low-cost airline headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. Founded in 1996, WestJet has grown to become the second-largest airline in Canada, operating a fleet of Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft.
WestJet is known for its friendly service and competitive pricing, offering a range of travel options including scheduled flights, charters, and vacation packages.
The airline presently serves over 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.
Summary
The recent court order underscores the importance of a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.
It also serves as a reminder to employers of their legal and ethical obligations to protect their employees from harassment and to cooperate fully with legal investigations into such matters.
The case has garnered significant attention, raising awareness about the challenges faced in the industry. It signals the need for stronger measures to prevent and address workplace harassment in the aviation industry.
