A woman who was fired from her job for eating a co-worker’s chocolate bar has been rehired after reaching a settlement with her employer.
The 64-year-old, known only as Juliane L, is from Heidelberg in Germany and had been working at a care home facility for disabled children for over 30 years, when she was fired in February with no notice after being accused for eating a colleague’s chocolate bar worth €2.50.
She was also accused of using a work washing machine for personal purposes.
In addition to chocolate-gate, her employer accused her of stealing various other items from the office, including a colleague’s bag which she reportedly gifted to a student as a secret Santa present.
The woman was due to retire in a few years time.
After the case was taken to court, a judge found that accusations of theft regarding the €10 bag could not be clarified, nor could private use of the washing machine be found to go against company policy.
Thus, the prevailing allegation was that of the stolen – and eaten – chocolate bar.
"Infringing on someone's property is still not funny," judge Daniel Obst said, reports The Local.
A settlement was reached in which Juliane L was given a formal disciplinary warning and permitted to resume her role at the care home.
"With my head held high, I have done nothing wrong," said the careworker. "I do not feel relieved."
The chocolate bar in question remains unidentified.
Source : Gulf Today