April 04, 2016

Class Action Lawsuit Filed Today Against WestJet for Failure to Address Sexual Harassment and Assault

SumofUs responds to class action lawsuit filed against Canadian airline WestJet

Today, a class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of all female flight attendants at WestJet, alleging that the company breached its employment contract with all female flight attendants by failing to create and maintain a workplace free from harassment. The class includes current and former flight attendants.

This class action suit follows a separate lawsuit filed last month by former flight attendant Mandalena Lewis, after WestJet failed to properly investigate her report of a sexual assault.

Responding to the announcement of a class-action lawsuit against WestJet, Emma Pullman, Lead Campaign Strategist for SumOfUs.org issued the following statement:

“It’s very concerning that more and more women are coming forward with stories of sexual harassment at WestJet. According to former and current employees, WestJet has failed to acknowledge, prevent, or adequately address sexual harassment and assault within the airline.

Ultimately, Mr. Sarestky should take responsibility by resigning. WestJet needs new leadership to reform the company’s policies and create a safe work environment for all employees. Tens of thousands of Canadians — including WestJet customers, employees, shareholders and frequent flyers — are demanding change at WestJet and have called on WestJet CEO Greg Saretsky to resign. We will be watching to see that WestJet is tackling this seriously.”

To date, more than 28,000 SumOfUs members in Canada have signed onto a petition calling for WestJet CEO Greg Sarestky to step down, and for the airline to institute comprehensive policies that reform reporting and prevention of sexual assault in the future. This includes over 15,000 WestJet customers, and thousands of frequent flyers and shareholders.

VIEW THE PETITION HERE: http://action.sumofus.org/a/west-jet-whistleblower/