Retired International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) International President Robert Martinez Jr. will be inducted into the Texas Labor Hall of Fame, recognizing 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. In this role, he represented members across a large region. By 2013, Martinez served as Resident General Vice President for IAM, overseeing the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center along with several departments at the organization’s headquarters. In January 2016, he became the IAM’s 14th International President.
During his presidency, Martinez became both the first person of color to lead IAM and the first Latino president of a major labor union in U.S. history. His leadership focused on education initiatives, workplace safety improvements, organizing efforts, collective bargaining strength, and political advocacy for working families.
“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 induction ceremony will take place during a dinner event in Georgetown, Texas on January 24 honoring Martinez alongside other notable figures from Texas labor history.
