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 long-standing service to workers both in Texas and nationally.
Martinez, who started his career as an aircraft assembler at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth, Texas, joined IAM Local 776A in 1980. Over the years, he held multiple roles within the union including educator and safety advocate, advancing through local, district, and international positions.
In 2003, Martinez was elected Southern Territory General Vice President on the IAM Executive Council. By 2013, he became Resident General Vice President where he managed the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center as well as major departments at IAM Headquarters. He was installed as IAM’s 14th International President in January 2016.
During his presidency, Martinez made history by becoming both the first person of color to lead IAM and the first Latino president of a major U.S. labor union. His leadership focused on education initiatives, workplace safety measures, empowering families, and enhancing organizing efforts along with collective bargaining and political advocacy.
“IAM International President Brian Bryant said: ‘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 scheduled for January 24 in Georgetown, Texas.
