Paid to Do Nothing for 20 Years: Disabled Woman Sues Telecom Giant Orange for Harassment and Discrimination
A disabled French woman has taken legal action against telecom major Orange, alleging harassment and discrimination after being paid for 20 years without any work assignments. Laurence Van Wassenhove, who has epilepsy and partial paralysis, claims that the company has deliberately sidelined her to force her out without formally firing her.
Van Wassenhove began her career with France Telecom in 1993 before it was acquired by Orange. Initially, she was given a role that accommodated her physical limitations. However, after requesting a transfer in 2002, she found herself in a peculiar situation: receiving her full salary but no work assignments. She believes this was an intentional move by Orange to make her resign.
Despite her predicament seeming ideal to some, Van Wassenhove describes it as unbearable. "It is very hard to bear," she told The Sun, highlighting the psychological toll it has taken on her. In 2015, she filed a formal complaint citing discrimination, which led to the appointment of a mediator by Orange. However, Van Wassenhove asserts that her situation did not improve, leading to depression due to isolation.
David Nabet-Martin, her attorney, emphasizes that her prolonged seclusion has had severe mental health repercussions. Meanwhile, Orange contends that it has made continuous efforts to accommodate her situation and planned for her return to work in an adapted role, which was hindered by her frequent sick leaves.
As the case unfolds, it brings to light significant issues surrounding workplace discrimination and the treatment of employees with disabilities, raising questions about corporate responsibility and employee welfare.
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