Judge questions WestJet settlement with female flight attendants

A B.C. Supreme Court judge raised concerns about a proposed settlement between WestJet and nearly 3,500 female flight attendants and extended the deadline for class members to file objections to March 23.

Nearly 3,500 current and former female flight attendants sued WestJet, alleging the company failed to maintain adequate anti-harassment procedures from 2016 to 2021. The proposed agreement would have paid class members $4.5 million while WestJet did not admit liability. At a hearing, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Jacqueline Hughes raised concerns about the short time given to class members to review the final terms and about whether independent oversight and liability releases were clear. The judge found problems with the proposed settlement and allowed more time for review. What is known: - The lawsuit alleges WestJet breached employment contracts by failing to implement and maintain an adequate anti-harassment program between April 2016 and February 2021. - A judge identified issues with the proposed settlement, noting an unusually short three-day review window for the final agreement and concerns about third-party oversight and releases of liability; the deal had proposed $4.5 million with no admission of liability. - Class members now have until March 23 to file objections, and lawyers for both sides must address the judge's concerns before returning to court this spring. Summary: The judge's concerns have delayed final approval of the proposed settlement and extended the timeframe for class members to file objections. Parties have been directed to address the issues the court raised, including questions about independent review and possible liability for individual employees. A further court appearance is expected this spring.