Court denies WestJet’s bid to toss harassment lawsuit filed by former worker
VANCOUVER — WestJet has lost a bid to throw out of court a proposed class-action lawsuit that accuses the company of failing to provide a harassment-free workplace for women.
Former flight attendant Mandalena Lewis sued WestJet (TSX:WJA) in the Supreme Court of British Columbia over allegations of gender-based discrimination, accusing her former employer of fostering a corporate culture that tolerates harassment against female employees.
The airline argued last month that the courts were an improper venue for the complaint. It said the case would be better addressed through a workers’ compensation board or human rights tribunal.
Justice Mary Humphries wrote in her decision released Friday that the core of the lawsuit deals with a breach of contract, making the courts the appropriate setting to deal with it.