Retired International President Robert “Bob” Martinez Jr. of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has been inducted into the Texas AFL-CIO’s Labor Hall of Fame. The honor recognizes his more than 43 years of service to workers in Texas, the United States, Canada, and globally.
Martinez began his career in 1980 as an aircraft assembler at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth and joined IAM Local 776A after serving in the U.S. Navy. Reflecting on his early days during his induction speech at the Texas AFL-CIO COPE Convention, Martinez said, “When I first walked through the doors at General Dynamics as a member of IAM Local 776A, fresh out of the United States Navy, I wasn’t thinking about titles or awards. I was thinking about earning a living, taking care of my family, and standing shoulder to shoulder with the men and women next to me on the job.”
Martinez rose through union ranks over four decades, becoming IAM’s 14th International President in 2016. He made history as both the first Latino president of IAM and the first Latino president of a major labor union in U.S. history.
Jody Bennett, IAM Resident General Vice President and fellow Texan, introduced Martinez at the ceremony. Bennett said, “Bob’s story is a labor story. It’s a Texas story. And it’s an American story. Like so many of our members, he didn’t set out to lead a union—he set out to earn a living, protect his coworkers, and make things better than he found them.”
IAM International President Brian Bryant commended Martinez’s contributions: “Bob Martinez is a leader whose commitment to working people helped shape the modern IAM and strengthened the labor movement around the world. This recognition reflects the impact he made not just in Texas, but the countless lives he changed along the way.”
During his time as International President, Martinez led efforts that expanded organizing into new industries and launched member-assistance programs. He also worked toward financial stability for IAM and promoted leadership opportunities for women and underrepresented groups within the union.
Martinez advocated for working families during crises such as COVID-19 and was involved in efforts to protect union jobs. His roles extended beyond IAM; he served on several national bodies including the AFL-CIO Executive Council and chaired its Industrial Union Council. He also participated on the U.S. President’s Export Council where he promoted domestic manufacturing policies.
Reflecting on his roots throughout his career, Martinez stated: “For decades—whether I was in Washington, D.C., or wherever this work took me—everyone knew one thing about me: I represented Texas,” adding that he carried “the grit, the values, and the pride of Texas working people with me everywhere I went.”
Martinez retired from active leadership in 2024.
