June 12, 2024
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COMMONS
WORK #13 – Flying Under the Radar
Mandalena Lewis is one of far too many flight attendants who have been harassed or assaulted on the job. And her story is just one example of a culture of sexism and abuse that she alleges pervades the airline industry.
Arshy Mann
Host & Producer
Jordan Cornish
Producer
Noor Azrieh
Producer
Karyn Pugliese
Editor-in-Chief

Mandalena Lewis is one of far too many flight attendants who have been harassed or assaulted on the job. And her story is just one example of a culture of sexism and abuse that she alleges pervades the airline industry.

But it’s not just airlines. So many workers, especially in female-dominated professions like nursing, education or food service, have to endure similar demeaning and violent treatment.

And when they go to their employers, not only are they often ignored. They’re actively silenced.

 

Featured in this episode: Mandalena Lewis, Julie Macfarlane 

 

To learn more:

“Former WestJet flight attendant hails ‘history making’ decision to allow class action lawsuit” by Jenny Peng in The Toronto Star

“B.C. Court of Appeal certifies former flight attendant’s class-action lawsuit against WestJet” by Joel Ballard in CBC News

Notice of Civil Claim in Mandalena Lewis vs WestJet Airlines Ltd. (2016)

“How NDAs silence victims and let perpetrators off the hook” by Julie Macfarlane in Broadview

 

Credits: Arshy Mann (Host and Producer), Jordan Cornish (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

 

Additional music from Audio Network

 

Sponsors: Douglas, Article 

 

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