Highlights

  • Jeff Bezos' former housekeeper has filed a lawsuit alleging hazardous and unhygienic working conditions, including 14-hour shifts without breaks.
  • The housekeeping staff had limited access to restroom facilities and were instructed to use hazardous alternatives, leading to frequent UTI infections.
  • The lawsuit also includes complaints of discriminatory treatment towards Hispanic employees, and the plaintiff claims she was demoted and fired after speaking up. Bezos denies the allegations.

Jeff Bezos’ former housekeeper has launched a lawsuit full of concerning allegations – and she could win millions from the billionaire if her case is successful.

Mercedes Wedaa has initiated a legal action against Bezos and two firms entrusted with overseeing his property management. She filed the case in November 2022, though the accusations only recently came to light. In legal documents, Wedaa claim that she and her fellow employees were subjected to hazardous and unhygienic working conditions, including 14-hour shifts without any breaks.

Moreover, upon being hired in 2019, Wedaa claims she was told to be discreet around the Bezos residence, meaning the family didn’t wat to see her around the property.

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One of the most disturbing allegation to rise from the case pertains to the limited access to restroom facilities for the housekeeping staff. During the times when the Bezos family was present in the home, the housekeepers were restricted from entering the residence except for cleaning duties.

As such, the staff weren’t allowed to use the residence’s washroom during those times. They were instructed to use a facility that was apparently hazardous to reach, including going through a window and through the mechanical room as well as laundry room.

As a result of not having access to a property bathroom facility, Wedaa claims she as well as other staff suffered from frequent UTI infections. She says employees had to endure these conditions for 18 months.

Wedaa’s other complaints include am lack of designated rest areas for the staff, and forcing housekeeping to eat their meals in the laundry room. Moreover, the plaintiff also describes instances of discriminatory treatment towards the Hispanic employees.

Wedaa says she spoke up about the treatment of employees but says she was subsequently demoted and then fired.

For now, it’s unclear how much Wedaa is seeking in damages. But considering the severity of the claims, if her case is successful, it could mean a huge payout for Bezos. She’s also hoping to win back pay and benefits. The plaintiff claims she has ample evidence to back-up her claims.

The Amazon Inc. founder has replied to the lawsuit via his representative and is denying the allegations. Moreover, his attorney claims that Wedaa only filed her lawsuit after her request for a $9 million settlement was rejected by Bezos’ legal team.

While it’s unclear if Bezos will come out on the winning side of this lawsuit, what is clear is that he has the means to pay the legal bills, considering his net worth is nearly $150 billion, making him one of the world’s richest people.

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