AFL-CIO congratulates Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce after wedding: 'It's better in a union'

The federation noted that both the musician and the star athlete are union members

America's largest labour federation has congratulated Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce on their wedding, celebrating the newlyweds with a playful message highlighting their ties to organised labour.

Following the couple's lavish wedding at New York City's Madison Square Garden, the AFL-CIO, the largest federation of labour unions in the United States, shared a message on social media that read: "Congratulations to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. It's better in a union." The post also pointed out that the ceremony took place at a fully unionised venue.

The federation noted that both Swift and Kelce are union members. Swift belongs to the American Federation of Musicians and SAG-AFTRA, while Kelce is a member of the NFL Players Association through his career with the Kansas City Chiefs. The AFL-CIO used the occasion to spotlight the role unions play across the entertainment and sports industries.

The message also reflected Swift's long-standing support for organised labour. During the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, the singer made a significant donation to the union's emergency relief fund to support actors affected by the work stoppage. However, she also faced criticism from Unite Here Local 11 after choosing not to cancel Eras Tour concerts held near hotels where workers were on strike in Los Angeles.

Swift and Kelce married in a highly private ceremony at Madison Square Garden on July 3, surrounded by family, friends and a host of celebrity guests. Actor Adam Sandler officiated the ceremony, while Swift's brother Austin served as her man of honour and Kelce's brother Jason was his best man.

Ahead of the wedding, the couple also donated $26 million to 20 local and national charities, supporting causes connected to communities that have played an important role in their lives.

The AFL-CIO's congratulatory post quickly gained attention online, with many praising its light-hearted nod to the couple's union memberships while celebrating one of the year's biggest celebrity weddings.