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 career supporting workers in Texas and throughout the United States.
Martinez began his career in 1980 as an aircraft assembler at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth, Texas, joining IAM Local 776A. Over the years, he took on roles as an educator, safety advocate, and leader within the union at various levels.
In 2003, Martinez was elected to the IAM Executive Council as Southern Territory General Vice President. He later served as Resident General Vice President starting in 2013, where he managed the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center along with several departments at IAM Headquarters. In January 2016, Martinez became the IAM’s 14th International President.
During his tenure as president, Martinez became both the first person of color to lead the IAM and the first Latino president of a major U.S. labor union. His leadership focused on education, safety, organizing efforts, collective bargaining, 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 to honor Martinez alongside other figures from Texas labor history.
