A court hearing is currently underway in Vancouver to consider the approval of a proposed settlement in a class-action lawsuit filed by flight attendants against WestJet. The lawsuit, which was launched by current and former cabin crew members, alleges that the airline failed to properly compensate them for work performed outside of flight hours, including pre-flight briefings, post-flight duties, and time spent waiting between flights.
Details of the Proposed Settlement
The proposed settlement, which was reached after months of negotiations, would see WestJet pay a total of $12.5 million to approximately 2,500 current and former flight attendants. The funds would be distributed based on the number of hours worked by each individual during the class period, which spans from 2015 to 2023. In addition to the monetary compensation, WestJet has agreed to revise its policies to ensure that flight attendants are compensated for all work-related activities going forward.
Legal Arguments Presented
During the hearing, lawyers for the plaintiffs argued that the settlement is fair and reasonable, given the risks and costs associated with continuing the litigation. They noted that the settlement provides meaningful compensation to class members while also securing important policy changes that will benefit flight attendants in the future. WestJet's legal team also supported the settlement, stating that it resolves the matter without the need for a lengthy and expensive trial.
However, a small group of flight attendants have objected to the settlement, arguing that the compensation is insufficient and that the policy changes do not go far enough. They have requested that the court reject the settlement and allow the lawsuit to proceed to trial. The court is expected to hear from both sides before making a decision.
Background of the Lawsuit
The class-action lawsuit was first filed in 2022 on behalf of WestJet flight attendants who claimed that the airline violated provincial employment standards by not paying them for all hours worked. The plaintiffs alleged that WestJet's compensation system only accounted for flight time, ignoring the significant amount of time spent on ground duties such as safety checks, customer service tasks, and waiting periods. The lawsuit sought damages for unpaid wages, overtime, and other related claims.
Reactions from the Parties
Outside the courtroom, representatives from both sides expressed cautious optimism about the outcome. A spokesperson for the plaintiffs said that while no settlement can fully compensate for the years of underpayment, the proposed agreement represents a significant step forward for flight attendant rights in Canada. WestJet also issued a statement, emphasizing its commitment to fair treatment of employees and noting that the settlement would allow the airline to move forward without the distraction of ongoing litigation.
The hearing is expected to continue for several days, with a decision likely to be announced in the coming weeks. If approved, the settlement would bring an end to one of the largest employment class actions in the Canadian airline industry.
