LOS ANGELES (AP) — Several elected officials in California are appealing to Taylor Swift to consider postponing her Los Angeles concerts in a display of solidarity with striking hotel workers.
Led by Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, dozens of state and local politicians have signed an open letter, drawing attention to the fact that her tour significantly boosts the revenue of hotels in the region, leading to exorbitant charges for accommodations when she is in town.
The letter highlights the unfortunate situation faced by many hotel workers, such as housekeepers, who are struggling to afford housing close to their workplaces. Some of these workers are even forced to sleep in their cars, putting their homes at risk.
The plea to Taylor Swift is aimed at raising awareness about the plight of these workers and encouraging her to consider the potential impact of her concerts on their lives and well-being.
“Hotel workers are engaged in a critical struggle for their livelihoods. They are fighting for a fair and livable wage, and they have bravely gone on strike to demand their rights. Now, they are earnestly asking for your support,” they wrote. “We implore you to stand in solidarity with these hotel workers and consider postponing your concerts.”
Starting this Thursday, Swift’s six sold-out shows are scheduled to take place at SoFi Stadium, close to Los Angeles. As of now, there has been no immediate response from Swift’s representatives regarding the letter.
Unite Here Local 11, a union representing approximately 30,000 hotel workers, is currently negotiating for better working conditions, including improved wages, enhanced healthcare benefits, increased pension contributions, and reduced workloads. Contracts for more than 60 hotels, including those owned by prominent chains such as Marriott and Hilton, expired last month.
Among those making this plea, Lt. Gov. Kounalakis, a Democrat and aspiring gubernatorial candidate in 2026, stands as the highest-ranking official in the state supporting this cause. According to Politico, she attended Swift’s Eras tour in Santa Clara, California.
Joining Kounalakis, several other notable figures have signed the letter, including mayors from various cities, Assembly Majority Leader Issac Bryan, and state senators Dave Min and Maria Elena Durazo.
