I read it here first, because no-one is faster than Maître Eolas.
I won. A year’s salary, plus costs. I will only get this compensation if my ex-employer does not lodge an appeal (they will have one month in which to do so once the written version of the decision is published in about a fortnight’s time). But right now, the principle is enough for me. Round one to petite anglaise!
What a relief.
Anyone fancy babysitting for Tadpole tonight so I can go out and paint the town red?
about
books
press
fbk
petite anglaise 
Not sure congratulations is appropriate,….rather enjoy your victory – fingers crossed your former employers will not lodge an appeal!
Comment by Karen Mc Cullagh — March 29, 2007 @ 2:21 pm
Congratulations so far. Hope you’ll make it.
Comment by Siegfried — March 29, 2007 @ 2:24 pm
Nice one!
Comment by Iain — March 29, 2007 @ 2:26 pm
Well done! I am too far away to babysit though.
Comment by Pierre L — March 29, 2007 @ 2:29 pm
well done! proud to be the 1st to congratulate you
Comment by roisin — March 29, 2007 @ 2:30 pm
WHOO-HOO! Every once in a while, the right thing is done. congrats petite!
Comment by kate in dc — March 29, 2007 @ 2:31 pm
Congratulations Petite!!! We all hoped this would be the outcome. At least you see, that justice is somewhere out there.
Comment by Lui — March 29, 2007 @ 2:32 pm
Hurrah! Congratulations, that is really great news.
: )
Comment by luli — March 29, 2007 @ 2:32 pm
Hurray!!!!! and you deserve every pen
Comment by Alice — March 29, 2007 @ 2:33 pm
ok, that was wierd. it should have said “pen
Comment by Alice — March 29, 2007 @ 2:34 pm
Well done Petite. Were I living in gay Paree then you bet I’d babysit for you, although as my two year old just painted my bedroom carpet in scarlet nail polish last night when i thought she was fast asleep – then perhaps you wouldn’t want me to. Congrats! Enjoy the moment.
Comment by Welsh Cake — March 29, 2007 @ 2:37 pm
Whahayyy!!! Brilliant result! Up theirs!
Comment by sooz — March 29, 2007 @ 2:39 pm
Yes! You must be relieved. Unfortunately I can’t offer my babysitting skills as we’re not in the same country (excuses excuses) but please accept my congratulations instead.
Comment by hellojed — March 29, 2007 @ 2:40 pm
Well done!
Comment by anxious — March 29, 2007 @ 2:40 pm
yes please!!! you deserve it!!! oh… let’s see… ryanair? easyjet??? hmmm… projectile vomiting with heart-shaped bits? maybe some other time. CONGRATULATIONS. But surely this had to be the only obvious outcome of this nonsensical charade … oh paint the town red anyway — and take her with you. get her a plate of olives and an alcohol-free beer: she’ll love it!
Comment by kitikat — March 29, 2007 @ 2:40 pm
Congratulations, my duck. Moral victory indeed.
Petite Anglaise – 1
Twunts – 0!
Comment by anna — March 29, 2007 @ 2:42 pm
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Comment by rhino75 — March 29, 2007 @ 2:47 pm
Tremendous news!! Congratulations, petite! My faith in the system is restored. ;)
Comment by jen — March 29, 2007 @ 2:47 pm
YES! I’m so glad and relieved on your behalf! Hopefully they won’t appeal. But yeah, you’ve won in principal. Ha to them!
Comment by Rochelle — March 29, 2007 @ 2:47 pm
Wow I can’t believe that I’m the first comment on such a momentous occasion. I just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Comment by Ruthie — March 29, 2007 @ 2:52 pm
Congrats Petite! Have been following your blog since you were sacked and was on tenterhooks this week for the result. Well done! Now just enjoy life and put all the bad stuff behind you!
Comment by happyforyou — March 29, 2007 @ 2:53 pm
Let’s just hope your former employers leave it at that and don’t risk the ridicule of taking their ridiculous allegations any further!
Comment by happyforyou — March 29, 2007 @ 2:56 pm
Fantastic! Good for you.
Comment by Bob — March 29, 2007 @ 2:57 pm
Fantastic news Petite! Quite the right result. How stupid they are to have over-reacted so much – they have blackened their own reputation and wasted their own money. Good on you for being brave!
Comment by Emma — March 29, 2007 @ 3:01 pm
Congrats! Do it up tonight!!
Comment by Beth — March 29, 2007 @ 3:06 pm
Well, congratulations! You really deserved to win.
Comment by jenny — March 29, 2007 @ 3:08 pm
Congratulations!
Comment by Olivier — March 29, 2007 @ 3:10 pm
Excellent! Nice to know free speech still rocks in France. Let’s set the intention that it will hold up under appeal, too… we get what we focus on in life so let’s focus on victory and making a statement for what is just and fair in this world. Well done to you and your avocat! I’m thrilled for you!
PS I would definitely offer to babysit but have a date with my Aussie beau… and don’t have much time left with him as his project is being relocated back to Australia effective pretty much immediately! Will I be writing The Bold Soul from Brisbane some day? Enquiring minds want to know…
Comment by The Bold Soul — March 29, 2007 @ 3:10 pm
Yaxlich has just been doing a little jig of joy having read the news. He thinks he might have tweaked a hamstring, though.
Comment by Yaxlich — March 29, 2007 @ 3:10 pm
You deserve every cent, dime, dollar, etc. I don’t know why it wouldn’t let you say penny, Alice. I hope I helped your frustration some.
Petite, I know it’s got to be a relief to feel validated by the court system. If I were you I would have a difficult time avoiding the whole rubbing of their noses in it. I suppose that has to wait until the check is cashed, whenever that actually happens.
Maybe sign the check “C.Petite Anglaise” and dot the i’s with big loopy hearts. Or whatever.
Congratulations.
Comment by Tammi — March 29, 2007 @ 3:12 pm
brilliant news, both for you and for other bloggers in France.
Comment by nikki — March 29, 2007 @ 3:15 pm
Congrats, but I can’t read a word of the announcement. How did your former employer react to the verdict? So happy for you. Round one Petite. Hopefully, they will realize it’s not worth appealing and this will be over.
Comment by Diane — March 29, 2007 @ 3:16 pm
Congratulations you were very badly treated.
Comment by Billyboy — March 29, 2007 @ 3:17 pm
Hah!!! I knew it. Well done for keeping your head about you. So…what celebratory gift are you going to buy yourself with the compensation eh? There must be something you’d like to splurge a little on…?
Comment by Valkyrie — March 29, 2007 @ 3:18 pm
I have no idea how my ex-employers have reacted – perhaps there will be some sort of comment in the press…
I feel sure an appeal will be in the offing though, so I’m not counting up the euros just yet.. Maybe in eighteen months time.
Comment by petite — March 29, 2007 @ 3:20 pm
We knew that right was on your side.
I wonder if I could get a job as an expert translationist; I know absolutely no French so it probably would be easy getting government certification.
I’ll be happy to watch the kid – just bring her over any time.
Comment by joeinvegas — March 29, 2007 @ 3:36 pm
Congratulations!! You deserve it! :)
Comment by Joana — March 29, 2007 @ 3:40 pm
Félicitations, super contente pour toi. Il existe quand même une justice !
Comment by lily — March 29, 2007 @ 3:43 pm
grand news! (that’ll be drinks on you next time, then …)
x
Comment by rivergirlie — March 29, 2007 @ 3:45 pm
Goood news, it’s done!! Congratulations you deserved it! (fingers and toes crossed your former employer won’t lodge an appeal).
Comment by Patron90 — March 29, 2007 @ 3:48 pm
As usual, Maître Eolas spoke words of wisdom: what about sharing a Champomy with Tadpole? :)
Comment by Géronimo — March 29, 2007 @ 3:53 pm
querida pequeña inglesa,
muchas felicidades desde barcelona! te lo mereces despues de tantos problemas con tus ex-jefe y colegas. saludos a tu renacuagita.
Comment by Simsalabimsim — March 29, 2007 @ 3:54 pm
oops, just read the comment should have been in English or en français, here goes again:
dear petite anglaise,
congratulations from barcelona! you deserve it after so much trouble from your ex boss and colleagues. regards to tadpole.
Comment by Simsalabimsim — March 29, 2007 @ 3:57 pm
(loud whistle that shatters ears if too close) Woo hoo! Congratulations! If they do file a nasty appeal, write a blog about it! If I lived near by, I’d watch Tadpole for you.
Comment by Peggy — March 29, 2007 @ 3:57 pm
Yippee!!!!!
Comment by john.g. — March 29, 2007 @ 3:58 pm
Congratulations, and good luck on the appeal, or rather that there isn’t one
Comment by Neil Wykes — March 29, 2007 @ 3:59 pm
Yay! Excellent news.
If you want to send Tadpole over to CA on a jet plane, I’d be happy to babysit!
Congrats!
Comment by La Cubana Gringa — March 29, 2007 @ 4:00 pm
Good news. If your former employers have any sense, they’ll decide they’ve had enough press exposure being made to look stupid, and will not appeal, given that they’d just get more of the same. I would think that paying you the money would be a small price for being able to recede from the limelight. But what do I know!
Comment by Passante — March 29, 2007 @ 4:08 pm
Congratulations. 1 year’s salary can be read as a pretty total victory and a neat slap in their ugly faces. Not everyone fired “sans cause réelle et sérieuse” gets this much.
The downside is, it increases the chances of an appeal, I think.
I can’t wait to read the “attendus” on Maître Eolas’s blog, and especially his juicy comments (sorry for all english speaking PA fans – Eolas is only in French).
Comment by ontario frog — March 29, 2007 @ 4:09 pm
Well done, Petite! And what a lesson for Tadpole (when she’s old enough to understand, anyway) on the importance standing up for what’s right. It’s easy to talk it, but you walk it. Kudos.
From across the pond,
Laura
Comment by Laura — March 29, 2007 @ 4:09 pm
Well done, madame! Let the positive karma keep flowing!
Comment by Leslie — March 29, 2007 @ 4:16 pm
“An English secretary sacked for bringing her employers into disrepute by writing a “Bridget Jones in Paris” internet diary has been awarded more £30,000 for wrongful dismissal….”
“Her former employer, the British accountancy firm Dixon Wilson with offices in the heart of Paris, was ordered to pay Miss Sanderson – a bilingual secretary – 44,000 euros in compensation plus 500 euros in legal fees. Her lawyer had asked for £60,000.”
From the Daily telegraph 29/3/07
Did I tell you or what that they would diviser la poire en deux.!!
One day I’ll explain how I know
You should have asked for a gazillion euros
Comment by rocket — March 29, 2007 @ 4:26 pm
Félicitations pour cette victoire … Je suis vraiment contente pour toi :) Let’s hope that your former employer does not lodge an appeal.
Comment by dilafa — March 29, 2007 @ 4:29 pm
Nice one Petite :-)
Comment by Jim — March 29, 2007 @ 4:51 pm
Congrats !
Many (including me) would have taken the blow and not reacted to it, but you had the courage to fight, and you deserve to win.
If there ever was a time to go wild in celebration, it’s tonight for you. Enjoy !
Comment by CrainTyph — March 29, 2007 @ 4:55 pm
Congratulations. Like Maître Eolas says:
Champagne, Petite !
Comment by JAM — March 29, 2007 @ 5:00 pm
Wonderful! Congratulations!!
Comment by Juti — March 29, 2007 @ 5:11 pm
Super, félicitations, “petite” mais costaud!… comme notre trés cher Maître Eolas !
Comment by pokra — March 29, 2007 @ 5:14 pm
All’s well that ends well. Congratulations.
Comment by varske — March 29, 2007 @ 5:16 pm
Well done! And congratulations!
Comment by Jem — March 29, 2007 @ 5:29 pm
Huzzah!
Comment by andre — March 29, 2007 @ 5:30 pm
Let me spoil the party. I don’t agree. I think what you did – as reported – is as much misuse of a company’s property as fiddling one’s expenses. You used their time and their facilties – both of which they and not you had paid for.
I wonder whether all the other people who wrote comments to congratulate you would react the same way if they had owned the company for which you worked? Also, what is the equity of you being treated this way and the decision being influenced (probably) by the popularity of your ‘alter ego’ against others who have been dismissed for far less clear wrong- doings and do not have access to mount such a ‘popular campaign’. Does your ex- employer now really have a ‘free- hand’ to take the matter further or do they risk a ‘trial by blog’ by doing so
Comment by Paul Reichel — March 29, 2007 @ 5:30 pm
My faith in French justice is restored :) Congratulations!
Comment by Ignorminious — March 29, 2007 @ 5:33 pm
“I wonder whether all the other people who wrote comments to congratulate you would react the same way if they had owned the company for which you worked?”
If I owned the company, I would have used my head, sat down with her, and spoken to her about it first before resorting to an immediate firing. I would have laid out company policy and guidelines, and made absolutely certain that no policies were being violated. I would have also spoken with her to make sure she understood that while her blog is her right to have, she would need to ensure that the company was not open to being identified in any way.
It seems that her employer had a knee jerk reaction, and was appropriately punished for firing her prematurely.
Well done petite……Barring an appeal, it is on to bigger and better things.
Comment by Dave of the Lake — March 29, 2007 @ 5:58 pm
Great news ! Congratulations…
Comment by Fred reillier — March 29, 2007 @ 6:11 pm
Well done, good luck
B-)
Comment by Martin — March 29, 2007 @ 6:12 pm
“You used their time and their facilties – both of which they and not you had paid for.”
The employers never complained about Petite’s work. They reproached her to blog while in the office, i.e. they reproched her taking breaks. And she should get fired for that ? C’mon, that’s just plain stupid.
Comment by Morm — March 29, 2007 @ 6:28 pm
Excellent news.
I was wondering whether/how to respond to #62 but I see Dave of the Lake has put it admirably.
There can be no excuse for their behaviour. No-one should have the right to dismiss an employee without a discussion or warning first, unless they were guilty of something really awful.
Comment by sablonneuse — March 29, 2007 @ 6:40 pm
congratulations !
You should subtitle the blog
la victoire de la blogueuse
it has a nice ring..
Comment by Doug K — March 29, 2007 @ 6:43 pm
Glad to hear it, and it’s about time!
Comment by Sara — March 29, 2007 @ 6:48 pm
Further to Dave of the Lake: And even if I had decided I could no longer bear breathing the same air as petite after this, then I would have at least sought some legal advice before dismissing her in such a hasty way. I would have learned I stood little chance of winning if she decided to sue. And I would have opened negotiations with her instead.
An employer losing a Prud’hommes case is usually guilty of crappy management as much as anything else.
Comment by ontario frog — March 29, 2007 @ 7:10 pm
RATS! Terrible news…this is going to make it practically impossible for my employers to dooce me now!
There’s just no point in blogging anymore.
And what about all those people who said “I’d love to babysit but I seem to be in another country”, huh?
One word…WIMPS.
Where’s your sense of adventure? Huh?
SOD IT! I’ll come to Paris. It’s only a short journey across a little bit of water.
Tell me what night you want me round.
PS congrates
Comment by Yellow — March 29, 2007 @ 7:50 pm
Congratulations. Appeal or no appeal, it ushers unjustified dismissal. Employers, be on your guards.
Comment by Alfa King — March 29, 2007 @ 7:54 pm
I mean what time…not what day…obviously it’s tonight!
Just tell me what time
Comment by Yellow — March 29, 2007 @ 7:56 pm
I don’t think you’re getting enough dosh actually…All that emotional upheaval and anguish…single mother…I do hope you get last centime though!
Congrats! ;-)
Vas donc te defouler ce soir!! Bonne soiree!
Comment by Karma — March 29, 2007 @ 8:04 pm
Hooray! Congratulations, and a big “merci beaucoup” for commonsense beyond the call of expectation to the brave Prud’hommes.
Comment by Udge — March 29, 2007 @ 8:05 pm
Brilliant! Delighted for you. Well done, you!
Comment by Jan — March 29, 2007 @ 8:15 pm
Brava! Too bad I’m not closer to keep an eye on Tadpole while you celebrate; if you want to plan a trip to southern Italy with part of your year’s pay, I’ll be glad to offer free babysitting!
Comment by sognatrice — March 29, 2007 @ 8:17 pm
Huzhah!
Comment by Nicole — March 29, 2007 @ 8:18 pm
Congratulations! I am glad you got the judgement that you so clearly deserved. I hope everything gets settled soon, but more importantly, I think everyone is looking forward to your book! Cheers!
Comment by Lisa — March 29, 2007 @ 8:40 pm
Well done. There are some grey areas but it is ultimately a fair decision. They reacted foolishly and caused you a lot of suffering, when they would have been wiser to think things through first. Enjoy your celebrations !
Comment by Kate — March 29, 2007 @ 8:43 pm
There you go again, constantly on the lookout for any excuse at all to go out and to get locked!
To think that I was one of the first to know of this affair. Well there you go. Typical isn’t it? Never a kind word or a gentle e-mail. You won’t find me volunteering to babysit for the brat, that’s for sure.
Comment by Trevor — March 29, 2007 @ 8:47 pm
Tres bon! And dot allow a comment such as this–
Let me spoil the party. I don’t agree. I think what you did – as reported – is as much misuse of a company’s property as fiddling one’s expenses. You used their time and their facilties —
detract from fundamentals. People do have lives outside their employment and whether one wishes to detail their daily life in a letter or a blog such has little to do with the quality of work one performs for an employer. It is obvious that the placing of a face to a blog did ruffle someone’s personal feathers, but their reaction not yours provides the better example of nonprofessionalism. It is a question as to where the malicious conduct…imagine an employer issuing dismissal because you do not agree with his politics!
Comment by Dr. Diego Rivero — March 29, 2007 @ 8:50 pm
Up theirs!
Comment by Boris — March 29, 2007 @ 8:53 pm
Je suis ravie!
Comment by Choubine — March 29, 2007 @ 8:56 pm
Congratulations, Petite, and bravo Dave of the Lake! I can’t wait for your book to come out, Petite, because I’m just dying to see what you write in it about your empoloyer. Oh, the irony! The sheer stupidity! With apologies to McDonald’s, I’m LOVING it!
Comment by Postmodern Sass — March 29, 2007 @ 9:34 pm
I was afraid that you would be disappointed in that you expected too much from the justice system particularly in light of your summary of your day in court.
I worried for nothing.
Congratulations!
Comment by rohan — March 29, 2007 @ 9:34 pm
Er, employer.
Er, former employer.
Comment by Postmodern Sass — March 29, 2007 @ 9:35 pm
Congratulations,
Hope they will think it over twice before going in appeal. They already earned a very poor reputation by sacking you on no ground. If they go on with it, they won’t win, because a court of appeal will investigate more profoundly the case and their lack of true arguments will appear more clearly. In the end it will cost them more money and make more damage on their reputation !
Comment by marie-hélène — March 29, 2007 @ 9:43 pm
Congratulations PA. I’m pleased for you, although I do think you’re wise not to celebrate too soon. I can’t imagine that they won’t appeal, and their case isn’t weak.
Do enjoy this win, though.
Comment by london gal — March 29, 2007 @ 9:47 pm
Yay you! Do you feel they really want to drag this on and on by appealing? Hasn’t it gone on long enough yet? Remember, this is publicity for you so make the most of it… You go show’ em!
Comment by Ariel — March 29, 2007 @ 9:56 pm
Hoorah for Petite. Very excited that for once common sense has prevailed
Comment by Catkin — March 29, 2007 @ 9:59 pm
So where are you going on your next holiday?
Congratulations Petite, after all you have been through I am really happy for you.
Comment by Donta — March 29, 2007 @ 10:06 pm
Bravo!
Champmy for Tadpole, that’s fine, but Dom Perignon for you.
Comment by Saluki — March 29, 2007 @ 10:07 pm
Congratulations, félicitations, tillykke, …
I know how you must feel. You don’t get anything in France without figthing for it. I’m getting good at it after 8 years. Landlords, employers, providers …
I’m awaiting a decision from the appeal court in Douai any time now. SNCF breached a contract in 2003, leaving 15,000 euros unpaid. They hire and fire with no respect for contracts or laws. And I hadn’t written a blog about them.
Finn Skovgaard,
Author of “La French Page” http://www.skovgaard.org/europe/,
Weekly Telegraph mentor for France.
Comment by Finn Skovgaard — March 29, 2007 @ 10:10 pm
Tremendous! Congrats! 1:0
Vive la Petite!
Comment by Adventurer — March 29, 2007 @ 10:13 pm
Excellent! But don’t give them an excuse to bring new arguments to an appeal, i.e. go easy on the exposure for the next ?month I think you said. There’s too much at stake.
H
Comment by Horatio — March 29, 2007 @ 10:15 pm
Excellent – hope it was a good party!!
Comment by sas — March 29, 2007 @ 10:22 pm
Woo hoo! How fabulous! Justice always prevails! xx
Comment by Sister Louise — March 29, 2007 @ 10:29 pm
Bravo! Sometimes justice does prevail!
Comment by Divina — March 29, 2007 @ 10:32 pm
Ra! Ra!
Comment by katie — March 29, 2007 @ 10:32 pm
Congrats! Live it up! As a U.S.-based attorney in a similar area of law, employers don’t win when they act unfairly and make stuff up.
Comment by Philippa — March 29, 2007 @ 10:44 pm
Great News – and a year’s salary, too. Enjoy!
Comment by anno domini — March 29, 2007 @ 10:48 pm
Well go you!
“only they [the little people] who can keep their heart strong and their will as sharp as a sword when the general disillusionment is at its worst can be regarded as fighters”
Enjoy that the world through the eyes of the tribunal has seen a just result in your fight. And then smile as you pass each and every one of them on the way back up!
Comment by Andy — March 29, 2007 @ 10:48 pm
hurray for you!!!
Comment by Rachel — March 29, 2007 @ 10:53 pm
Congratulations, Petite Anglaise,
I am a Canadian Citizen living in France since June 2004, and I am married to a man with dual Canadian and French citizenship. We thought that it would be easier in France.
Nowadays we do our best. My husband is a musician. Tough luck. I have a big diploma (bac + 5) and I am bilingual. Tough luck. I am unemployed and would rather remain so if it means another CES or CAE (slavery if you want my opinion). The administrations keep losing our files, our papers, our letters. I have been ‘sans papiers’ for 10 days in January because the Prefecture had lost my file for the renewal of my ‘titre de sejour’. Yes, they have lost my file. I was the one that was afraid even if it was their fault. We have assessed that 4 things out of 5 go wrong in this country. This is our average.
Glad to read that one thing went right for you.
We have nicknamed this country ‘Absurdistan’.
Chris
Comment by Christine Truchon — March 29, 2007 @ 11:04 pm
Congratulations ! That’s excellent news – if I wasn’t sitting here in my Thomas the Tank engine PJs I’d head back downstairs to celebrate with a glass of wine. Amazing news – you deserve no less.
Comment by Mark — March 29, 2007 @ 11:22 pm
Yes! :-)
Congratulations.
Enjoy the moral victory, and I hope the money follows.
If your former employers do lodge an appeal and lose (of course) is there any chance that the appeal court (more prud’hommes?) could increase your compensation?
Comment by Bill — March 29, 2007 @ 11:52 pm
Sounds like tadpole’s college fund has been secured. Congrats and many future blessings to you both.
Comment by Sam — March 30, 2007 @ 12:39 am
Didn’t spoil anyone’s party Paul – but you made mine! I think you just spilt your drink down your trousers.
As a former employer, I have no doubt that Petite’s firm broke every rule in the book by going for summary dismissal. Her award is a very appropriate punishment for a very stupid boss. His own legal expenses will add thousands more his costs, so a tax on stupidity too. Marvellous.
If he appeals against the decision it will increase his costs and he risks the award against him being doubled. That would be a very silly thing for him to do. But then we know he’s stupid, so why not silly too?
You gotta hope he doubles your money!
Comment by andrew — March 30, 2007 @ 12:52 am
Everyone else has already said it many different ways but let me add my congratulations and best wishes to you.
Keeping my fingers crossed that your ex-company sits tight and does nothing and that you get the money without too much of a wait.
Comment by linda from jersey (that's new jersey USA) — March 30, 2007 @ 1:42 am
congratulations, petite! even more people will buy your book now!
Comment by epikuryooz — March 30, 2007 @ 1:46 am
It was worth skimming through the bravo’s just to get the
“sitting here in my Thomas the Tank engine PJs I’d head back downstairs to celebrate with a glass of wine.”
visual.
Your blog always delivers a laugh for me!
Thank you.
Comment by Lara — March 30, 2007 @ 2:39 am
So happy for you.
Comment by Sedulia — March 30, 2007 @ 3:12 am
I am happy beyond words for your moral victory, Petite. Though I do not comment often, I read you nearly every day. (My husband asks me “what’s new with Petite today?” since he knows of you from me.) He will be delighted that you prevailed contre the prudhommes; as he loves and is confounded by France as am I. Vive la France!
Way to go, Petite! Hugs to you and Tadpole from us.
Comment by PJ Carz — March 30, 2007 @ 3:49 am
Good going! I stand corrected, sometimes the French judicial system is effective. Good for you for standing up for yourself and being fierce…I love it!
Comment by Mlle Smith — March 30, 2007 @ 3:51 am
Put tadpole on a plane to SFO and I’ll watch her here with the boys! They can throw toys around and ride bikes until they drop with exhaustion. I’m sure she would fancy a trip to see the Golden Gate!
Congratulations…… I am so happy for you!
Comment by shelley — March 30, 2007 @ 4:15 am
Excellent news Petite. Congrats.
Comment by Fuff — March 30, 2007 @ 4:33 am
“Congratulations, Petite, and bravo Dave of the Lake!”
Thanks Sass and Ontario Frog also. Now, while I never owned a company, I did work in hospital administration for a large, multi-hospital medical center in NYC 8 years ago. You think accounting firms are sensitive? Try working in health care………
Comment by Dave of the Lake — March 30, 2007 @ 4:52 am
Oh, and btw, there is an old saying: If you give someone a long enough rope, eventually they will hang themselves with it……..Seems like Petite’s company took a long drop with a short stop………..
Comment by Dave of the Lake — March 30, 2007 @ 4:54 am
i am so happy for you. altho i wish you had received 5 years’ pay in recompense. what your employer did was not right. i have become accustomed to the sad truth that the justice system is more about process than justice, so it is so nice to see the “little guys” win for once! at least perhaps you can get a nice massage and a few hours at the baths as a treat after this? my very best wishes for you!!
Comment by editrice — March 30, 2007 @ 4:56 am
Yahoooooooooooooo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Eric — March 30, 2007 @ 5:23 am
CONGRATULATIONS !!!
Enjoy the win
About time some employers found out that personal lives do not come under work
Comment by Achilleas — March 30, 2007 @ 5:37 am
Congratulation from China (Shenzhen). I heard about your story in a French newspaper.
Comment by HOTTIN Eric — March 30, 2007 @ 5:43 am
Well done my girl.
It’s nice to know we underlings win sometimes.
Comment by Bob — March 30, 2007 @ 6:12 am
Well done!!!!!!!!!! Very happy for you! You deserve it!
Comment by Zeina — March 30, 2007 @ 6:22 am
Well done petite! Just happened to look your blog up after Byrony’s post on The Telegraph. Well deserved and hope this is a change for the better!
Iris
Comment by Iris — March 30, 2007 @ 6:40 am
Congratulations from a lurking fan. I look forward to following the news further. – Eric
Comment by Eric at Paris Daily Photo — March 30, 2007 @ 6:43 am
congrats !
& thanks a lot for the “jurisprudence”…
my 1st appoinment at “les prudhommes” is at the end of april.
indeed I have been fired for the same kind of reason.
so you gave me the best birhtday gift you could (it was a couple of day ago).
all the best.
Comment by Another fired blogger — March 30, 2007 @ 7:35 am
This is a hell of a good news! Congrats!
Everybody say “Hi” to ex-employer who might be reading this blog just to see how the won round is announced? No? No-one wants to say Hi? No Hi then ;)
Comment by Mardo — March 30, 2007 @ 8:21 am
Congratulations, Petite Anglaise!
Really wonderful news. I knew that morally you should win, but having little faith in legal systems, I feared that uninformed proudhommes could decide that you lose.
I’m happy that this time French legal system has proven me wrong…
Comment by LostInBrittany — March 30, 2007 @ 8:21 am
Fantastic news, Petite! Don’t think an appeal will be lodged, there has been so much publicity over this case that your employers would probably want to crawl away and lick their wounds.
Let us know how you painted the town red!
And very well put Dave of the Lake (post 64).
Comment by Karen — March 30, 2007 @ 8:46 am
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!! hope you painted the town well and truly red.
Comment by Patrick — March 30, 2007 @ 8:57 am
Hurrah! Congratulations! You must be sooo pleased. Definitely worth a glass of champers or two. :)
Comment by Christian — March 30, 2007 @ 9:01 am
Congratulations Petite, this is excellent news. I hope you managed your night out to celebrate? If not then you have to celebrate this weekend!!
Do you really think that your ex-company will appeal?
I’m crossing my fingers for you.
Comment by Nicola — March 30, 2007 @ 9:28 am
Fantastic. I agree with Yellow, where is the sense of adventure. I’m more than happy to come across and baby sit Petite. You deserve to celebrate. I’m a registered chaperone and enhanced CRB certified so don’t worry about leaving her with a stranger. Also a family man so have done the kidie thing.
Paul Reichel is the new “Twunt”
Dave of the Lake is right!
Petite is one hellofa woman
“Yay” to the right decision and French justice. They do have some then?
Comment by Jez — March 30, 2007 @ 9:30 am
congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by becky — March 30, 2007 @ 9:40 am
Well done Petite.
Congratulations.
There is justice in the world!
Sally
Comment by Sally Lomax — March 30, 2007 @ 9:58 am
Told you to be confident! BRAVO
You are just a little bit too much optimistic about the delay to get the written version. It’s between 2 weeks and 3 months, and currently it’s more like 3 months. Be careful, you will be the only one getting the mettered letter, not you lawyer, so if you want to lodge an appeal, pay attention. You also have only a month to lodge it. And you might think you could get more money from appeal. Usely, when there is sound legal grounds, appeal could be a good move.
Told you also how it feels good to WIN, and be recognized by society what you’ve been through. Better than settlement on that point.
Now, it’s may be also time to close the file and look forward to your new life that has come out of that mess. From my personal experience, good stuff has always ultimately come out of mess. And it looks like it will be the same for you.
Comment by Sop — March 30, 2007 @ 10:01 am
Congratulations Petite Anglais ! Good news !
Comment by Laurence — March 30, 2007 @ 10:10 am
I’m so glad for you Petite.
The negative publicity they would receive form appealing will, I guess, prevent it. They might just see the 30k as a fair payment for all the free publicity this incident has brought them.
Comment by Lucy — March 30, 2007 @ 10:22 am
Bravo, Petite ! Delighted for you. I started reading your blog when I read about the whole dismissal business on another forum, and was flabbergasted that your ex-employer dared act that way. Way to go!
Another Petite Anglaise (with a boy tadpole a little younger than yours)
Comment by Claire — March 30, 2007 @ 10:31 am
A grown man in Thomas the Tank Engine pyjamas? Holy shit.
Comment by Welsh Cake — March 30, 2007 @ 10:33 am
Congratulations! I am delighted to hear the news.
Comment by Amy — March 30, 2007 @ 10:56 am
Alors il y a donc une “Affaire Petite Anglaise” maintenant? Champion Maître Eolas!
Comment by Penny in Amsterdam — March 30, 2007 @ 10:59 am
Congratulations Petite! I hope you get your celebratory drink in tonight.
Comment by AussieGil — March 30, 2007 @ 11:04 am
Congratulations, Catherine. I knew you would make a name for yourself. Didn’t know about the blog until I readabout it in today’s Guardian.I hope it all works out.
Comment by Tom Dunn — March 30, 2007 @ 11:45 am
Yay!! Congratulations! I’ll babysit for tadpole, maybe she can teach me some french ^_^
Well done Petite, although I don’t suppose it’s much compensation for all the stress its put you through. But still, at least it is a small compensation.
Comment by Princesse Ecossaise — March 30, 2007 @ 11:54 am
Congratulations are in order Petite…noty only did you strike a blow for freedom of expression and against contractual enslavement; but you made it as Cover Girl of today’s Yorkshire Post
Comment by Voyager — March 30, 2007 @ 12:05 pm
Congratulations!! A victory for common sense
Comment by Paul Smyth — March 30, 2007 @ 12:17 pm
Congatuations I think your plog is wonderful
Eric
Comment by Eric — March 30, 2007 @ 12:20 pm
you are on the front page of the Yorkshire Post! Now you know you’ve hit the big time.
Comment by northerncreative — March 30, 2007 @ 12:26 pm
WOOOHOOOO – so pleased – hope Paris has a pinkish glow after your painting!
Comment by Li — March 30, 2007 @ 12:51 pm
Well done! Crucial victory for free speech :-)
CD
Comment by CD — March 30, 2007 @ 12:53 pm
Wonderful news! Well done Petite!!
Comment by Roger — March 30, 2007 @ 12:59 pm
YAY!!
Comment by the domestic minx — March 30, 2007 @ 1:09 pm
That IS good news!
Although I can relate to #62 a bit as I am sitting here at work (in my lunch hour) writing this. Mostly because we are Microsoft and work and Mac at home – most blog websites are rubbish for Mac.
I also agree with #64 – a decent organisation of the size of this one should have clear policies and procedures and follow them. In the UK, the ACAS guidance states that you should always talk first, hear the other side and give clear warnings if behaviour is not in line with company policy. Then if it doesn’t change or adjust you can invoke whatever procedure is published by the company. Employees also have a right to be told of the reason for their dismissal.
I can’t believe a company would appeal this if they have so clearly not followed procedure …
Good luck
belle
Comment by belle — March 30, 2007 @ 1:09 pm
Hi Petite,
do you know if this kind of decision can also be applicable for things written on a forum ?
Tnx miss and good luck
Thomas
Comment by Thomas — March 30, 2007 @ 1:23 pm
Congratulations, Petite Anglaise!
GO FOR IT!!!!
Love your blog…
Visited Paris twice last year and adore your blog…
Mega Mwah’s xXx
Comment by NigexXx — March 30, 2007 @ 1:23 pm
Bravo!
Congratulations!
Si tu vas feter ca chez Lao Siam je te recommande “un tourteau a la diable”!
Sylvie
http://www.fuelmyblog.com
Comment by sylvie — March 30, 2007 @ 1:24 pm
Well done! You’ve hit The Guardian now, as well:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/france/story/0,,2046398,00.html
Comment by P — March 30, 2007 @ 1:26 pm
You are all over the radio this morning! Or at least someone who sounds remarkably like you and who got exactly the same settlement–they aren’t giving any names. Congrats!
Comment by Doc — March 30, 2007 @ 1:55 pm
Well done Petite !!
You see those colorfull prudhomme got some plomb dans la cervelle ,)
Can’t keep Tadpole tonight but would like as she’s just a bit older than our own daughter ,)
Comment by Thierry_J — March 30, 2007 @ 1:57 pm
Hi Petite Anglaise
Well done you deserve a break. Enjoy!
Keep up the blog it’s a great read.
Comment by Mark Sandman — March 30, 2007 @ 2:06 pm
*doing a little air-punch at my desk*
Wonderful news. Hoo and ray.
Comment by mike — March 30, 2007 @ 2:11 pm
Hang in there Petite & congratulations :)
Comment by David Giorgi | Click here for Expat France — March 30, 2007 @ 2:14 pm
hoorah, petite! congratulations! get that paintbrush ready, and your can of red paint!
Comment by franko — March 30, 2007 @ 2:19 pm
Felicitations, Petite, from one who has only recently discovered your blog. Hopefully your former employer will have enough good sense to realize they have no case.
Bon courage!
Comment by moodswingingmommy — March 30, 2007 @ 2:23 pm
Well done – congratulations!
Silly fwunt tuckers.
(I can’t wait to see how fwunt tuckers translates at the appeal!)
Comment by Damian — March 30, 2007 @ 2:23 pm
Congratulations!
Regards from Zagreb (Croatia)
Comment by Sanja Ruzic — March 30, 2007 @ 2:38 pm
an enthusiastic round of applause & standing ovation to you, petite! while The Ex’s may still appeal, today’s ruling in your favor puts them in place publicly for their hasty ‘knee-jerk reaction’… this is my first posting, having started reading your blog after the nasty public firing, and shortly after added you to my favorites section…i’ll be toasting to you tonite over drinkies & hope you’re able to find a babysitter for tadpole..wish i could come over to babysit but i’m a few countries away… sorry! have fun celebrating, your victory is sweet!
cheers! carol…
Comment by carol — March 30, 2007 @ 3:34 pm
Well done, made the D.T today!!! All the best.
Comment by john.g. — March 30, 2007 @ 3:56 pm
Cheers!
Chin Chin!!
Comment by Insider — March 30, 2007 @ 4:38 pm
Felicitations!! Great news.
Comment by Grandmistress — March 30, 2007 @ 4:49 pm
Am writing from Germany. Have read the verdict in your case and am really happy for you, having gone through something similar years ago in this country. I’m sure Tadpole will help you spend the money!!
Comment by Gillian Ludwig — March 30, 2007 @ 4:56 pm
Congratulations Petite!
Comment by Holly — March 30, 2007 @ 4:56 pm
I’d never heard of your ex-employer till they publicised the issue. What small-minded, pompous employers they must (have) be(en). I hope you relish your victory. They’ve only heaped international ridicule upon themselves.
Comment by Ron Hughes — March 30, 2007 @ 5:03 pm
DHL Tadpole down here to the S.W and you can paint the town whatever colour your little heart desires.
Tadpole can join my three boys and be the princess for the weekend, they really need to get in touch with their feminine side!
Congratulations to you, your legal team and your friends and family who have supported you through this really difficult time. Lisa
Comment by Lisa — March 30, 2007 @ 5:05 pm
Bravo Petite. Tu as bien fait de t’accrocher. C’est fou ce que tu auras réussi à faire avec ton journal.
Comment by 4 roses — March 30, 2007 @ 5:40 pm
That’s brilliant! FWIW, I have read your blog in the past and not even guessed who your employers were, but of course I know who they are now! I agree entirely with Ron Hughes (above). They’ve just made themselves look petty, vindictive and stupid – well, they are accountants, I suppose…
Comment by James — March 30, 2007 @ 5:54 pm
If your book deal is as lucrative as it seems, I recommend you get yourself a good Accountant. Do you by any chance know of one?
Comment by Ron Hughes — March 30, 2007 @ 5:59 pm
Congratulations!
Comment by Amanda — March 30, 2007 @ 6:13 pm
Hi petite anglaise!
I just read about your story in Canada’s National Post newspaper. Fantastic!!!
I hope that your ex-employer does the right thing by paying up.
All the best from your newest fan in Toronto, ON CANADA.
You go girl!!!
Lailapolooza
Comment by Lailapolooza — March 30, 2007 @ 6:31 pm
PA, All the best!
Comment by xl — March 30, 2007 @ 6:33 pm
Congratulations!
Comment by Sharon — March 30, 2007 @ 7:01 pm
It might get tiring reading one more such comment but CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! :)
Comment by petit_litchi — March 30, 2007 @ 7:30 pm
ive just read your article in today’s Daily Telegraph..here in the UK, even before i read your blog.
excellent news…well done.
Comment by Sofi — March 30, 2007 @ 7:43 pm
Well done!!
That will learn the snail eating surrender monkeys
Comment by Anton LeChuck — March 30, 2007 @ 7:47 pm
Just read your story in the Yorkshire Post [front page as well!!!!] and can only say how impressed I was at your victory. One more in the eye for the employers!
The story did not include how you started [own site or someone else’s???] so I shall be interested to hear more. We all have a story to tell.
God bless.
Rob J
Comment by Robert Johnson — March 30, 2007 @ 8:20 pm
This is great news Petite. Congratulations! And well done! Have fun celebrating
Comment by lapagefrancaise — March 30, 2007 @ 8:21 pm
Make sure you only drink the best champagne tonight. That way you wil have a much better class of hangover tomorrow.
Richard
Comment by Richard — March 30, 2007 @ 8:21 pm
Catherine must be lying face down, floating in a bath tub filled with champagne, streamers and promises of fame & fortune.
Usually she puts in an occasional interlocutory appearance. But now, only silence!
Wahey! (I think…)
Comment by andrew — March 30, 2007 @ 8:24 pm
This sets the bar for practitioners looking for grade A examples of utter cluelessness. This is at least 160+ folk who will never forget the name of that firm and will never engage with them. Ever.
Comment by Dennis Howlett — March 30, 2007 @ 9:07 pm
GO PETITE!!!!!!
From my desk in London, where I am working hard to close my company’s financial quarter yet reading your blog and thus wasting time, I applaud and salute you!!
xx
Comment by David in London — March 30, 2007 @ 9:11 pm
Um, face down in my bathtub would be lovely, if it wasn’t 50cm long. I’d have to be a contortionist…
But yes, champagne is good.
Comment by petite — March 30, 2007 @ 9:24 pm
Congratulations, Petite.
I didn’t think you would win. Not because I didn’t think you were right (I do), but because I thought the law was an ass, and the French law a French ass.
Nice to be proved wrong sometimes.
Comment by Claire — March 30, 2007 @ 9:41 pm
I stubbled across your story on the Daily Telegraph website today, whilst nursing my sick Tadpole. I have never come across anything so geniuene, warm hearted and intelligent. Well done on your victory Petite!
Comment by Amanda — March 30, 2007 @ 10:44 pm
Have you e-mailed dooce yet?
Actually what is the french for dooce? Is it like le cowboy?
On m’a doocé! Mais je gagne…oh la la!!!
I do hope not language learning is so boring when there aren’t proper words to learn
Comment by Yellow — March 30, 2007 @ 11:08 pm
Wait a minute it’s just come to me…if the French are looking for a proper French eqivilent of ‘to dooce’ look no further:
“Mes patrones ont me petite-anglaisé! ZUT!”
QUICK SOMEBODY RING L’Académie française
Comment by Yellow — March 30, 2007 @ 11:15 pm
We’re on our third bottle. At least one is in your honour. Well done.
Comment by cinquecento — March 30, 2007 @ 11:26 pm
“Ils m’ont petite-anglaisé”
not
“Ils ont me petite-anglaisé”
*kicks self*
Comment by Yellow — March 30, 2007 @ 11:27 pm
From a rather jaded(at least today!)lawyer who likes to think that there is a little justice somewhere, many congratulations.Your story has touched a chord in many places.
Comment by Tom Mullen — March 30, 2007 @ 11:49 pm
Congratulations! Thats excellent news, you must be so pleased x
Comment by Sharon — March 31, 2007 @ 12:20 am
The news caught my eye in the paper today and resulted in a big grin – well done! Must be a huge relief – I really hope they don’t appeal the decision.
Comment by Melissa — March 31, 2007 @ 1:14 am
Congratulations for this victory
Comment by Franklin Bravos — March 31, 2007 @ 1:20 am
Another to add – congratulations!
Comment by C — March 31, 2007 @ 2:55 am
Very glad to read this post! Congratulations!
Comment by H. (aka NC_State_gal) — March 31, 2007 @ 5:03 am
Congratulations!
Comment by Nicholas Whyte — March 31, 2007 @ 8:29 am
Congrats Petite Anglaise. Well done and best of luck :)
Jean-Marie
Comment by Jean-Marie Le Ray — March 31, 2007 @ 9:10 am
Congratulations!
Way to go,Petite…I’ll bet that while you’re out celebrating,they’re crying into their tea,the stupid windbags!
Enjoy your victory!!
Comment by Belle — March 31, 2007 @ 9:37 am
Congratulations. Well done.
Comment by Maya — March 31, 2007 @ 11:31 am
Well done Petite, no matter what happens next; the ex-employer KNOWS you won. (“,)
Comment by teeweewonders — March 31, 2007 @ 11:36 am
Congratulations!
Comment by Pascal Venier — March 31, 2007 @ 12:33 pm
C’est une victoire à la Pyrrhus.
Tu avais apparemment un salaire royal pour un poste subalterne, et tu auras certainement du mal à en retrouver l’équivalent dans le même milieu où désormais ta notoriété est faite.
Je me garderai de juger de tes qualités d’écrivain parce que je ne comprends pas la moitié des mots que tu emploies, mais le moins que l’on puisse dire c’est que ta nouvelle carrière est on ne peut plus aléatoire. Alors il faut vraiment être un avocaillon écervelé pour célébrer au champagne le gain d’un an de salaire et la perte définitive d’une situation …
Comment by glop-glop — March 31, 2007 @ 12:46 pm
Congratulations Petite.
I hope your employer smarts three times when he realises that a)he lost, b) he has to pay €0000’s for it all and c) the added publicity he gave you got you a book deal with an international publishing house…
More fool him huh?
Comment by Marthe — March 31, 2007 @ 1:42 pm
Bravo petite!
C’est bien fait pour eux!
J’espère qu’ils ne feront pas appel, sinon, ça sera loooong pour avoir une décision définitive.
En tout cas: CHAMPAGNE !
Comment by Melo — March 31, 2007 @ 1:45 pm
Bravo that’s great news Petite!
I am really happy you did not gave up and made your point!
Comment by Emmanuel Vivier (BuzzParadise.com) — March 31, 2007 @ 2:01 pm
very very nice informations.thanks for this blog. mr silici…
Comment by evden eve nakliyat — March 31, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
Warm congratulations! I knew you would do it!
Comment by Lost in France — March 31, 2007 @ 4:22 pm
Congratulation!
Enjoy your victory!
Comment by Matthieu — March 31, 2007 @ 5:36 pm
I agree with 62. Although I must say that your former employers did not follow proper Human Resource Management procedures. They should first have warned you that you were breaking the rules and put a letter on your personnel file. If you continued to break their rules (which I’m sure you are too sensible to do)they should have suspended you without pay, and if on returning to work you continued to break their rules they would have been correct in firing you. Let’s remember that we pay employees to come to work to be productive. It was their computer and you were on their time not yours. Hope your case does not contribute to the lack of productivity which is already a problem on our society.
Comment by Jen — March 31, 2007 @ 5:46 pm
Hey Petite,
I’ve deserted your blog for at least 9 months and nearly
forgotten you.
Suddenly I’ve just found out that you had won the first round against your former employer.
Congratulations !
Nevertheless he can lodge an appeal but now his name has been revealed and if he doesn’t want “bad publicity” (as he reproached you) owing to his “key accounts”, he’d better let down.
Glad to have good news from you.
Bye and maybe see you at the Batofar…
Comment by Kholastiak — March 31, 2007 @ 6:07 pm
Doesn’t sound like you were really working too hard at your job. But you still screwed them good.
Comment by John — March 31, 2007 @ 6:14 pm
YAY!! Congratulations! Enjoy town-painting!
Comment by Whisper — March 31, 2007 @ 6:27 pm
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070330/tc_afp/lifestyleinternet_070330205230
Petite,
An english version of your win.
Comment by Diane — March 31, 2007 @ 6:53 pm
I see Yahoo News now carries your victory and names your erstwhile employer. Whichever Partner pusued this vendetta to the bitter end should have his ceremonial dagger ready at the next board meeting..or is it a firm where he retires with his Webley to the library after port ?
What a chocolate mess…how could any professinal firm get itself into such a disastrous situation ?
You’d better get another book contract….”How to keep happy staff”
Comment by Voyager — March 31, 2007 @ 6:56 pm
The principle is what counts. You deserve your victory Petite and that many more book sales as well. Now paint away!
Comment by California Reader — March 31, 2007 @ 7:20 pm
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!! I admire everybody who dares to fight for the truth and fairness!!!!! You are an example for others!!!!!!
Hope you can get a babysitter to be able to paint!!!!!!
Comment by Marcella from Mooldova — March 31, 2007 @ 7:24 pm
I read the news in Yahoo also. Congratulations and if you are lucky the company will not appeal.
I wish the best for you.
C. Oxford
Comment by C. Oxford — March 31, 2007 @ 7:31 pm
Congratulations! On what grounds could they possibly file an appeal?
Comment by Rob — March 31, 2007 @ 7:40 pm
Just saw a short news on yahoo about this affair and after reading your blog I couldn’t help myself to add a short comment. Unlike 99% of other who think you deserve “to win” I sincerly hope that your company will appeal to the verdict and continue with their charges. I think that in today’s world every sensible and employed (!) person knows what are the sanctions if you are discovered in things of which you have clearly been.
I can only wonder how you would feel while in a hospital in Paris with your daughter sick in your arms and your doctor and nurse excusing themselves to you for not checking your daughter after a hard and tiring work day only to go to a nearby hotel for some “luxuries of life”.
Comment by Wilhelm — March 31, 2007 @ 7:43 pm
Congratulations! Nothing you don’t deserve.
Sorry I’m a bit too far away to offer to babysit!
Comment by Steve777 — March 31, 2007 @ 8:42 pm
Here, here Wihelm, that’s the spirit!!
Comment by Trevor — March 31, 2007 @ 8:48 pm
“I think that in today’s world every sensible and employed (!) person knows what are the sanctions if you are discovered in things of which you have clearly been.”
Wilhelm,
Read my response in post #64. The company was stupid, and probably violated its own internal HR policies. A simple talk with P.A. probably would have resolved the whole affair, and at most, she would have gotten off with a written warning. If you ever have been in management, you would clearly have seen the mistakes her company made by the trail of breadcrumbs they left behind.
Cheap shot btw, using Tadpole as a tool in your argument. It doesn’t wash. People have a life outside of being a parent. It is how they go about it that matters. There is NOTHING in what Petite has written that indicates Tadpole was at any risk, as you are implying.
Comment by Dave of the Lake — March 31, 2007 @ 9:32 pm
Just read about your blog in the Sunday Times and read a little of the past few entries. I agree with India Knight, and am delighted that you won your legal battle. My fingers are crossed that you will also win the appeal (if your former employers are daft enough to lodge one)
Comment by Lynn — March 31, 2007 @ 11:43 pm
So happy for your victory!…..
So now to this…..how much longer must we wait for our next rendition from your darling Tadpole? I so enjoy her songs!!
Comment by Kathleen — March 31, 2007 @ 11:43 pm
I’ve a seven-foot bath here for you – eight of them. But I’m afraid it’s only hot water you’ll find in the taps…and rather rusty water too, at first. Gives your skin a great all-over tan, ‘though, and when the rust’s all gone you can run them two feet deep, easy, and stash the champagne in the ice bucket alongside the heated towel rails…
Comment by andrew — April 1, 2007 @ 2:00 am
I too have just read the India Knight column! Congratulations on your win – I hope you’ve been doing some serious celebrating.
Comment by Hazy — April 1, 2007 @ 7:59 am
yes !!! tu leur a bien botte le cul !!! :o)
Comment by soniclarsen — April 1, 2007 @ 8:29 am
congratulations petite. No point in wondering what your ex-employers will do, I suppose.
Comment by denke — April 1, 2007 @ 8:40 am
Congratulations! I posted a story linking to this on my blog at http://uk.blog.360.yahoo.com/kathleenzbell . I hope that’s ok.
Felicitations! J’ai fait un lien de ma blogue http://uk.blog.360.yahoo.com/kathleenzbell
Comment by kath — April 1, 2007 @ 10:07 am
I really like the India Knight column, needless to say. You can find it here.
Comment by petite — April 1, 2007 @ 10:24 am
awesome news, read it on a beach on north west TAsmania :)
Comment by Miss Lisa — April 1, 2007 @ 11:07 am
well done!! congratulations, justice est faite :)
Comment by natacha — April 1, 2007 @ 11:30 am
Parabéns, pela vitória na Justiça! Viva a liberdade de expressão! No Brasil ou na França. Também vou escrever sobre. Amplexos.
Comment by Robson Virtual — April 1, 2007 @ 2:17 pm
You had a huge salary for a secretary, I would have never guessed it being so high !
Congratulations on your victory. No word on your celebration ?
Comment by landrellec — April 1, 2007 @ 2:54 pm
Felicitations! (blogeuse anglaise)
Comment by Despy — April 1, 2007 @ 4:27 pm
Trevor, what’s your story – I like the cut of your gib.
Comment by Welsh Cake — April 1, 2007 @ 5:51 pm
Read this good news in the English papers. Let’s hope they now give in gracefully and don’t appeal.
Comment by Chrisb — April 1, 2007 @ 5:53 pm
A simple talk? A written warning??? Writing internal HR policies?! Mein Gott! This is not an Oprah Show, mein lieber Freund!
What there is to discuss?!? She more or less admitted what she admitted on her web blog. She admitted she told a lie on several occasions. The bond of thrust was ruined and the employer had IMHO every right to fire her. I would do the same.
What is probably most painful for me in this whole story is the fact that she will probably actually get paid a lot of money for her own stupidity. But then again we live today in the world where “crime, people’s stupidity and lazyness eventually pay off and not only that – with a good lawyer they eventually even get rewarded”.
I am not sure about what cheap shot you are talking about – my English is not that bad, I hope – but as you said for yourselve in your own post “people have a life outside of being parent”. Not exactly sure what you meant to say by that (that her firm is now in fault she got pregnant or what?), but so do “my doctor” and that “nurse” have that right, yet the nature of their work does not allow them to make any excuses or even tell a lie in front of a sick person just because he or she woke up that morning on a wrong foot.
There are plenty of people today who think everything should be served to them on a golden plate.
Fortunately enough things do not work like that, at least not yet for the time being. All what I can say is: Thanks God. :)
Comment by Wilhelm — April 1, 2007 @ 5:55 pm
Hurrah!! Well done for hanging in there, petite anglaise. It should have have been on eveyone’s front page. I’ve blogged about this on mine,linking here.
http://thebritgirl.com/2007/04/01/let-sleeping-blogs-lie-petite-anglaise-wins/
Comment by Britgirl — April 1, 2007 @ 5:57 pm
Herself complaining for being sacked for trapsing around the backstreets of Paris like a halfwit during all hours of the day constantly on the lookout for a sexual encounter with some total stranger or other at her boss’s expense. And then she complains, mind you. Yes, her ladyship complains!
I too wouldn’t mind a book deal, but not at such a cost to my dignity and personal decorum, no siree! Having people thoroughly maul me for their own personal arousal and having my boss pay for it is not my cup of tea.
Comment by Trevor — April 1, 2007 @ 6:56 pm
Good for you!! That is great, congratulations!!
Comment by Stacey (runaway rubber duckie) — April 1, 2007 @ 6:57 pm
Congratulations or Grattis as we say it in swedish! Good for you!
Comment by Mais oui — April 1, 2007 @ 7:48 pm
Stop, stop enough with the congratulations I was only poffering an opinion.
Comment by Trevor — April 1, 2007 @ 8:13 pm
That is an interesting story…you should check this link to see what you said regarding the wanting someone to watch your child so you can paint the town red.
http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/paint-the-town-red.html
Comment by Robert — April 1, 2007 @ 9:14 pm
Trevor, I know you get this a lot, but your a cunt.
That is all.
Comment by Trevor's Wife — April 1, 2007 @ 9:31 pm
Trevor? Are you really married to someone who also comments as “Monty” and cannot spell?
The plot thickens..
Comment by petite — April 1, 2007 @ 9:52 pm
My fingers are crossed for you!
Best Wishes,
GV
Comment by Giving Voice — April 1, 2007 @ 10:05 pm
Hi petite, fairly new reader, but I basically spent last Sunday attempting to read your entire blog and then telling my Mr. Frog about it. Anyway, I wanted to write and say that I’m glad you won your case. Best to Tadpole :)
Comment by Lys — April 1, 2007 @ 11:36 pm
Yes but, you see, Trevor can’t spell either.
It’s “Hear, hear”.
Sorry about that, Trevor.
You seem to deserve your wife.
Congratulations, Petite.
Comment by Sophie — April 1, 2007 @ 11:43 pm
Hurray!
Comment by Puplet — April 2, 2007 @ 1:05 am
Good news! Congratulations!!
Comment by Veerle — April 2, 2007 @ 2:30 am
Congratulations! I’m so glad you won! It will be interesting to see the ramifications that it may have for other bloggers.
Comment by Anali — April 2, 2007 @ 4:56 am
It is a well deserved outcome. Congrats :)
Comment by Marie Desgré — April 2, 2007 @ 6:59 am
Congratulations! Good news.
By the way, this case has nothing to do with free speech or freedom to blog. What Petite did in her firm’s time is irrelevant in this case which is about her right not to be summarily dismissed.
Comment by Jude — April 2, 2007 @ 9:20 am
My kyboard dont hav a hypn or an e.
Honest.
Comment by Trevor's Wife — April 2, 2007 @ 10:52 am
Congratulations, Petite; you deserve no less.
Speaking as an employer with a very happy and successful team, I find it amusing to read the comments endorsing your company’s actions. When will these Draconian types wise up to the fact that productivity increases when employees feel valued and respected as human beings, and not considered expendable resources that must become robotic and soulless between the hours of 9 and 5 each day? If your blogging did not impact upon your ability to complete your necessary workload, what’s the big deal? Furthermore, anyone who has never told a white lie, in order to pursue a little risqué excitement, must be trapped in an extremely boring and uneventful existence!
So, to all you naysayers, take the sticks from your arses, live a little and start to realise that your workforce are people and not cogs in a machine.
Comment by Martin — April 2, 2007 @ 12:01 pm
bon courage à vous et bravo aux prud’hommes ;-)
Comment by lambert — April 2, 2007 @ 12:26 pm
Well done Petite – fantastic news.
Came across your blog via article in the Telegraph whilst in the Drs waiting room last month – have been ploughing through your archives trying to get through them all in time for this result.
Knowing a little bit about UK employment law, I have to say I don’t think you would have got anything like this amount of compensation over here. Must be true what they say about the French system.
I’m sure a few of your ex-employers will be taking a peep at your blog today and when they see the level of support you have, I’m sure they’ll think twice about appealling (let’s face it, who’s coming out of this looking worse off..?).
I think you deserve to start planning how you wish to enjoy your long awaited compensation, round the world cruise perhaps? new pond for Tadpole?
I love your writing – keep up the good work.
Comment by Crazy Armadillo — April 2, 2007 @ 12:59 pm
Bravo! I am thrilled for you, will be celebrating your victory myself here in Montréal!
Comment by Hannah — April 2, 2007 @ 1:41 pm
Monsieur Bruno Guglielminetti, du quotidien montréalais «Le Devoir», a fait paraître aujourd’hui un article sur votre aventure : http://www.ledevoir.com/2007/04/02/137888.html
Comment by Choubine — April 2, 2007 @ 2:56 pm
Hey! You got them! :)
Comment by Alcy — April 2, 2007 @ 3:41 pm
Oh PA, it gives me chills to see so many positive comments and well wishes from your readers.
CONGRATUALTIONS!!!
Comment by Kuukie — April 2, 2007 @ 9:19 pm
Félicitation pour votre courage, vous montrez que les prud’hommes permettent aux salarié(e)s d’obtenir une justice sur la base du droit et de l’équité.
Noël
Comment by Paoletti Noël — April 3, 2007 @ 8:49 am
Turns out they were a load of twunts then!
Nice one.
Comment by meredic — April 3, 2007 @ 9:15 am
Well done!
Comment by Dan — April 3, 2007 @ 11:29 am
Hi. I read about it in the news posted on a Russian news website. Congratulations on the outcome, I’m very happy for you. I remember reading your entry in disbelief in which you described the events which led to this settlement. I’m very glad you’ve won.
Comment by London — April 3, 2007 @ 3:02 pm
Heh Heh – Congratulations on winning your case. Only found out about it all yesterday.
Relatively tame, what you wrote, when I consider what could have been written.
It’s very odd discovering oneself on a blog. No sympathy for ex-employer, despite the fact that I can kind of see where they’re coming from. I’m not saying that I’m not a gossip but is there such a thing as blogetic licence?
I seem to remember a certain person thinking that it was all very funny, telling clients on the way up.
All the best for the book – I’ll be sure to buy it.
Comment by "gallant (?) colleague" — April 3, 2007 @ 4:04 pm
I trusted the French justice to kick the ass of your (former)employer and I’m not disappointed. Congratulations to you for fighting and keeping up the blog.
Comment by Merlin — April 3, 2007 @ 6:13 pm
felicitations!
As you can see we are more than 250 people painting the town red with you this week!
/K
Comment by kajsa Hallberg — April 3, 2007 @ 7:08 pm
good news, I have been away from my computer for a few days. all the best to you PA and tadpole. I hope you quickly get what is yours and no appeal happens. I mostly lurk and find you funny and interesting.
queue_t
Comment by queue_t — April 3, 2007 @ 8:00 pm
Congratulations from Brazil! /
Comment by Kai — April 3, 2007 @ 8:23 pm
I read the news on Ellee’s blog.
I think its the correct outcome!
The previous employer seemed quite out of touch with the 21st century.
good on you!
Comment by simon — April 5, 2007 @ 2:48 am
Wonderful news. Congratulations!
Comment by JChevais — April 5, 2007 @ 11:29 am
Congrats! A great victory for you and for bloggers everywhere. I’ve updated the section on you in my forthcoming book about blogging and free speech. Downloadable here: http://209.59.210.148/imbloggingthis/sources/chapter5.pdf
looking forward to more stuff from you,
Erik Ringmar
Comment by Erik Ringmar — April 5, 2007 @ 4:59 pm