A disabled woman in France, Laurence Van Wassenhove, is taking legal action against her former employer, a prominent telecom company. She accuses the company of paying her a full salary for twenty years without assigning her any tasks, which she claims constitutes harassment and discrimination due to her disability.
Van Wassenhove joined the company, previously known as France Telecom, in 1993. She worked in roles that accommodated her partial paralysis, such as secretarial and HR positions. Her employment conditions changed in 2002 after she requested a transfer. She alleges the company ceased to assign her any duties post-transfer, leaving her effectively idle yet still financially compensated.
The lawsuit contends that the company’s actions were not benevolent but were designed to coerce her into resigning, thereby avoiding the need for a formal dismissal. Van Wassenhove describes the resulting isolation and depression as overwhelming, leaving her feeling trapped and powerless.
The telecom company defends its actions by stating they were appropriate given Van Wassenhove’s health issues. They argue that her full salary payment, despite no work, was due to her unique personal and health circumstances, which often hindered her ability to perform tasks.
