#San Francisco #Airbnb #Boycott

A Call for Boycott: San Francisco's Community Groups Unite Against Airbnb

On October 8, 2025, a significant assembly of community organizations and labor unions, including IFPTE Local 21, rallied outside of Airbnb’s headquarters in San Francisco. This gathering marked the launch of a boycott against Airbnb, driven by concerns over the company's perceived anti-worker policies and its role in exacerbating the city’s housing crisis.

The boycott has emerged as part of a broader campaign aimed at pressuring Airbnb to withdraw its lawsuit against the City and County of San Francisco, which seeks a refund of $120 million in business taxes. Activists argue that this lawsuit diverts critical funds away from public services at a time when they are most needed. The groups involved in the boycott range from Indivisible SF to the Coalition on Homelessness and the Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco, all united under the common goal to demand better business practices from the accommodation giant.

The Motivation Behind the Boycott
District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan emphasized the detrimental effects of Airbnb’s practices on local resources. “When Airbnb does not pay their fair share, it hurts all San Franciscans,” she stated, advocating for a halt on their operations until they align with the community's needs. Chan highlighted that reduced funding leads to cuts in essential city services like public transportation and library hours.

As the coalition continues to grow, the message is clear: Airbnb's operations are not just a matter of business; they play a significant role in shaping the quality of life for San Francisco residents. Matt Dorsey, District 6 Supervisor, also voiced his outrage, insisting that until the company behaves responsibly towards the community, the boycott must persist.

Wider Implications of Airbnb’s Practices
Activists argue that Airbnb contributes to the worsening housing crisis by taking many rental units off the market and driving rental prices up. Joy Zhan, a lifelong resident, pointed out that the platform’s business model hampers local families' ability to find affordable housing, saying, “They’re taking thousands of units from everyday San Franciscans.” With Airbnb thriving while the community struggles, the resentment is palpable.

Anna Krasner from Indivisible SF further underscored this point, stating, “Airbnb must respect San Francisco and its people. They are essentially profiting off the city while giving nothing back.” The sentiment resonated strongly among attendees, motivating many to cancel their Airbnb accounts in an act of solidarity.

Collective Action for Change
The coalition’s efforts extend beyond protests and social media campaigns. They have created a dedicated website, boycott-airbnb.org, encouraging supporters to take action against the platform. Here, residents can learn more about the motivations behind the boycott and pledge their commitment to