For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Scott Matos-Elliott of UNITE HERE.
Scott Matos-Elliott started his union journey as a barista working for HMSHost Starbucks at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. He joined the committee and led the first Arizona airport strike in UNITE HERE Local 11’s history, resulting in massive contract wins for hundreds of workers. He fought for and won historic raises for airport food service workers just three years after joining the committee. In 2023, Matos-Elliott was elected to UNITE HERE Local 11’s executive board.