WestJet has shortcomings in its workplace harassment policies, according to a third-party review launched after a former flight attendant alleged the company covered up for a pilot who she says sexually assaulted her.
The Calgary-based airline hired Ernst & Young earlier this year to conduct the independent review of its Respect in the Workplace policy and practices after Mandalena Lewis sued the company, claiming she was sexually assaulted by a pilot six years ago during a layover.
Lewis alleges the airline protected him and fired her after she spoke out. She also filed a second lawsuit against the company in April, this one a proposed class action claiming WestJet has failed to create a safe work environment for female flight attendants.
WestJet has denied the allegations, saying she was fired for other reasons and the pilot was disciplined.
The report released Thursday found that WestJet’s workplace policy and practices hadn’t been updated in almost 10 years.
It also found staff were not properly trained or educated about the policy.
As well, issues were not being properly tracked and monitored and no follow-up actions were being taken, the report said.
It made the following five recommendations:
- Update and fully implement the Respect in the Workplace (RITW) policy and practices.
- Design and deliver formal RITW communication, education and training to all WestJet employees.
- Increase accountability of the People Relations team for the application of the policy, including regular reporting of policy compliance and RITW performance metrics to the WestJet board.
- Formalize data capture and document management processes.
- Increase accessibility to RITW policies, guidance and resources.
Mandalena Lewis, a former WestJet employee, is suing the airline, which she alleges did not properly investigate her sexual assault allegation against a pilot. (Ioanna Roumeliotis/CBC)
WestJet CEO Gregg Saretsky says the company welcomes the report and has already started to implement some of the recommendations.
“There is always room for improvement and we look forward to following the path laid out in this report.”
Because of the ongoing legal proceedings, WestJet said it wouldn’t provide further comment.
A link to the report can be found here.