Facing low wages and unaffordable “junk fees,” Unite Here Local 11, a Los Angeles hotel workers’ union, is turning to pop sensation Taylor Swift for support. The group has requested Swift to postpone her upcoming SoFi Stadium shows, intensifying their month-long demands for better compensation.
According to the union’s open letter in the LA Times, Swift’s concerts bring a financial boon to LA hotels, akin to a “Swift Lift,” comparable to Super Bowl-level revenues. Yet, the financial windfall doesn’t trickle down to the workers.
“When you come to town, hotels increase their rates, add junk fees like Ticketmaster, and we see none of the profits,” the letter states. Disturbingly, some workers report living in their cars due to these conditions.
With Swift’s “Eras” tour projected to boost the global economy by $5 billion, according to QuestionPro, the workers hope to seize this moment to raise awareness. Swift’s past concert at Soldier Field in Chicago, for example, led to a record 44,000 rooms booked nightly, generating $39 million in hotel revenue.
The union appeals to Swift’s history of advocating justice, inviting her to join their cause. “We are asking for justice for all of us,” said Alaink Temple, a hotel concierge.
Swift’s representative has yet to issue a comment on the call for a Swift Lift strike.
If you or someone you know is experiencing labor violations or oppression, don’t stay silent. Reach out to the Labor Law Advocates in California and file a claim today. Your voice matters, and justice should be served. Contact us for a free consultation.
