"WestJet loses appeal of B.C. court decision on harassment lawsuit", 21 Feb 2019

WestJet has lost an appeal of a court decision that refused to throw out a proposed class-action lawsuit that accuses the airline of fostering a culture that tolerates harassment of female employees.

Former flight attendant Mandalena Lewis is suing over alleged gender-based discrimination. She claims her former employer broke its promise to provide a harassment-free workplace for women.

A B.C. Supreme Court judge dismissed WestJet’s application to strike the legal action in 2017, rejecting the company’s argument that the dispute belongs before a human rights tribunal and workers’ compensation board...

WestJet spokeswoman Lauren Stewart said in a statement that the company respects the decision of the Appeal Court and is in the process of reviewing the ruling with its counsel to determine next steps...

The Appeal Court ruling rejected the airline’s argument that the plaintiff’s allegations fall within the mandate of the Canadian Human Rights Act, which enforces employee rights related to discrimination and harassment...