A group of hotel service workers in Toronto, represented by Unite Here Local 75, is demanding salary increases as hotel costs in the city skyrocket during Taylor Swift’s concerts. The workers, who have not seen a salary increase since 2021, are set to hold a rally outside the Fairmont Royal York where they have been negotiating a new contract since 2022. The union represents 8,000 hospitality workers in the Greater Toronto Area, including food service employees, room attendants, and bell persons. The rally comes as Taylor Swift begins her series of six sold-out concerts in Toronto, with the last show scheduled for November 23.
During the weekends of Taylor Swift’s concerts, hotel rooms and short-term rentals in Toronto are priced up to 10 times more than other weekends, with some advertised for as much as $2,000 per night. The union is advocating for raises for hotel workers who will be serving concert-goers during Swift’s Toronto stops in order to keep up with the rising cost of living. The hotel service workers are facing immense financial pressure due to the exorbitant pricing during these high-demand weekends, and they are hoping that their rally will draw attention to their struggles and lead to positive changes in their working conditions.
The Unite Here Local 75 union represents a wide range of hospitality workers, all of whom play vital roles in ensuring the smooth functioning of hotels and providing quality service to guests. Despite the important work they do, many of these workers have not received a salary increase in several years, leading to financial hardships as the cost of living continues to rise. The union’s demands for salary increases during Taylor Swift’s concerts highlight the disparity between the soaring hotel prices and the stagnant wages of the workers who help make these events possible.
As the final show of Taylor Swift’s concert series in Toronto approaches, hotel service workers are continuing to push for fair compensation for their hard work. The union’s rally outside the Fairmont Royal York serves as a visible reminder of the challenges faced by these workers in the midst of skyrocketing hotel costs. By drawing attention to their demands for salary increases, the workers hope to bring about positive change in their working conditions and secure better wages to support themselves and their families. It is crucial for the hospitality industry to prioritize the well-being of its workers and ensure that they are fairly compensated for their contributions to the success of events like Taylor Swift’s concerts in Toronto.
