When she complained after sleeping just an hour a night, she claims she was told to “drink from a fire hose”. Van is currently on leave from her role.
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At 39 years of age, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2022, which she asserts meant she was overlooked for a promotion to chief transformation officer. This came after she claims she was told in September 2020 that she would land the role.
While undergoing chemotherapy, Van alleged Woolworths burdened her with more work and stripped her of resources. She was removed from key internal senior executive groups and directed to attend important meetings remotely. At one stage during her employment, she was hospitalised for three days with serious health complications.
In a media statement released via her law firm, Van said no one should be penalised or diminished because of their health, disability or a cancer diagnosis.
“Facing a life-threatening illness is already an uphill battle, but to also experience discrimination, retaliation and marginalisation in the workplace is devastating,” she says.
“I am bringing this case not just for myself, but for every employee who deserved dignity and respect, no matter their health status or disability,” Van says.
A spokesperson for Woolworths Group confirmed the company is responding to the claim. “Woolworths is reviewing the claim in detail. Ms Van is currently on leave from Woolworths. Given the matter is before the courts it would be inappropriate to provide any further comment,” a spokesperson said.
In August this year, the final stage of Australia’s Right to Disconnect laws came into effect, giving employees the right to lawfully refuse to “monitor, read or respond to contact” from their employer or a third party after hours.
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