Is it possible to be compensated for doing nothing? Is it reasonable to spend your days lounging on the sofa or strolling along the beach, funded by your employer? It is for a French woman named Laurence Van Wassenhove. While Wassenhove has been enjoying an “ideal life”, it appears that happiness is a myth. She has made the decision to sue Orange, the telecom firm, for failing to provide her with work despite paying her full wage for two decades. Consequently, she is accusing her health condition of being the basis for harassment and discrimination. We mean… we get it. Sometimes diamond heels are indeed too tight.
According to VN Express, Wassenhove worked for France Telecom in 1993 before Orange acquired the firm. She suffered from epilepsy and was paralysed on one side of her body.
Acknowledging her physical constraints, the hiring manager offered her the appropriate post. She had human resources and secretarial positions with the organisation until 2002. She subsequently requested to be transferred to another section of France.
However, she did not find her new job satisfactory.
But Orange did not change anything. She was, instead, paid in full but received no work.
According to Wassenhove, their intention was to terminate her employment without sacking her. This was too much for her to endure.
The mother-of-two further claims that in 2015, following her complaint to the government and the High Authority for the Fight against Discrimination, Orange employed a mediator, but little was improved.
Laurence Van Wassenhove claims she felt as if she was wasting her time at home.
She was quoted by The Sun saying, “Being paid, at home, not working is not a privilege. It’s very hard to bear.”
David Nabet-Martin, Laurence’s attorney, asserts that Laurence’s extreme and alone surroundings cause her to experience depression.
According to Nabet-Martin, employment signifies inclusion in society for an individual with a disability. Citing Laurence’s “personal social situation” as a factor, Orange said in a statement to the French publication La Dépêche that it had done all in its power to make sure she worked under ideal circumstances.
Additionally, they state that although “a return to work in adapted position” was also intended, Laurence was allegedly frequently absent from work due to illness.
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