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Introduction
A senior Woolworths executive has launched legal action against the supermarket giant, alleging she endured extreme overwork, repeated hospitalisations and discrimination after receiving an aggressive cancer diagnosis. Miwah Van, the group’s Chief Growth Officer, claims she worked 86–100 hour weeks for years, and that her health collapse derailed her previously fast-tracked pathway to senior leadership roles.
Details of the Allegations
According to documents filed in the Federal Court, Van worked under “relentless workloads” from 2019 to 2021, averaging 86.5 hours per week, with many weeks exceeding 100 hours.
Her lawyers say the workload resulted in multiple hospital presentations, including episodes of severe swelling, temporary loss of vision, and a suspected mild stroke.
In March 2022, at age 39, Van was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer, a fast-growing form of the disease. Van alleges Woolworths failed to support her through treatment, and instead reduced her responsibilities and opportunities for advancement.
Her legal team from Harmers Workplace Lawyers said:
“A caring and compassionate employer would have supported her — but that wasn’t to be. Despite her devastating diagnosis, she continued to be significantly overworked and was ultimately discriminated against because of her cancer.”
The Aftermath and Health Impacts
Van alleges she had been repeatedly assured she was next in line for the role of Chief Transformation Officer (CTO), a move internally positioned as a step toward future CEO consideration.
However, shortly after undergoing cancer surgery, she claims the promotion was withdrawn. Former Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci allegedly told her the cancer diagnosis was “awkward” and instructed her that “this is the moment … where you must behave appropriately.”
Despite being in chemotherapy throughout early 2023, Van says she continued to absorb the workloads of others while losing staff and internal support.
After five consecutive weeks averaging over 107 hours of work, Van was hospitalised for three days due to serious complications.
Career Fallout and Legal Action
Van alleges she was removed from key executive forums without consultation, forced to attend leadership meetings remotely, and sidelined from major strategic discussions.
Her statement reads:
“Facing a life-threatening illness is already an uphill battle, but to also experience discrimination, retaliation and marginalisation in the workplace is devastating.”
She added that she is bringing the case not just for herself, but for “every employee who deserves dignity, fairness, and respect — no matter their health status or disability.”
The claim is expected to be substantial, reflecting her senior position, lost career trajectory and alleged psychological, economic and physical harm.
Company and Industry Response
Woolworths confirmed it is defending the Federal Court claim but declined to provide further comment:
“Ms Van is currently on leave from Woolworths Group. Given the matter is before the courts, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Former CEO Brad Banducci — who left Woolworths in September 2024 and is now CEO of TEG, the parent company of Ticketek — has been contacted for comment.
Industry observers say the lawsuit highlights growing scrutiny on executive burnout, excessive workloads and employer obligations during major health crises.
Investigation Continues
The matter is listed for a case management hearing on November 28. Woolworths has yet to file its defence.
Legal experts note the case could test the boundaries of disability discrimination law in Australia, particularly concerning chronic illness, excessive workloads and the duty of large employers to provide safe, reasonable adjustments for senior staff.
Unions and workplace regulators have increasingly warned that unchecked executive workloads can be unsafe, unsustainable and lead to severe long-term health impacts.
Conclusion
As Miwah Van continues her medical recovery and legal battle, the case is drawing national attention to the hidden human cost of executive overwork in corporate Australia. The outcome may set new expectations for how large organisations manage senior staff wellbeing — and how they respond when health crises collide with high-pressure leadership roles.