Retired International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) International President Robert Martinez Jr. will be inducted into the Texas Labor Hall of Fame, in recognition of his extensive service to workers both in Texas and nationwide.
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 leadership positions at local, district, and international levels.
In 2003, Martinez was elected to the IAM Executive Council as Southern Territory General Vice President, representing members across a broad region. By 2013, he had become Resident General Vice President for IAM, where he managed the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center along with key departments at the union’s headquarters. Martinez became IAM’s 14th International President in January 2016.
During his tenure as president, Martinez made history by becoming both the first person of color to lead the IAM and the first Latino president of a major labor union in U.S. history. His leadership focused on education, safety initiatives, and empowering working families while enhancing the union’s efforts in organizing, collective bargaining, and political advocacy.
“IAM International President Brian Bryant stated: ‘Bob represents the very best of our union. 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 induction ceremony will take place during a dinner event on January 24 in Georgetown, Texas. The event will honor Martinez alongside other notable figures from Texas labor history.
