Retired International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) International President Robert Martinez Jr. will be inducted into the Texas Labor Hall of Fame. The induction recognizes his extensive service to workers in Texas and throughout the United States.
Martinez, a native Texan and U.S. Naval Air veteran, began his career with IAM in 1980 as an aircraft assembler at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth, Texas. He joined IAM Local 776A and advanced through various roles including educator, safety advocate, and leader at local, district, and international levels.
He was elected to the IAM Executive Council in 2003 as Southern Territory General Vice President, representing members across a large region. In 2013, he became Resident General Vice President for the union, where he managed the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center along with several departments at IAM Headquarters. Martinez was installed as the union’s 14th International President in January 2016.
During his presidency, Martinez became the first person of color to lead IAM and also the first Latino president of a major labor union in U.S. history. His tenure focused on education, safety initiatives, supporting working families, organizing efforts, collective bargaining improvements, and political advocacy.
“Bob represents the very best of our union,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “He is a leader who came from the shop floor and dedicated his life to lifting up working people. He broke barriers, strengthened the IAM, and inspired countless members and leaders across our movement. This recognition is well deserved, and we thank him for his lasting impact on the IAM family and working people everywhere.”
The Texas Labor Hall of Fame Dinner honoring Martinez and other labor figures will take place in Georgetown, Texas on January 24.
