Retired International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) International President Robert Martinez Jr. will be inducted into the Texas Labor Hall of Fame. The honor acknowledges his lifetime commitment to advancing workers’ rights in Texas and throughout the United States.
Martinez, a native Texan and U.S. Naval Air veteran, began his involvement with IAM in 1980 as an aircraft assembler at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth, Texas. He joined IAM Local 776A and progressed through various roles, including educator, safety advocate, and leader at local, district, and international 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 oversaw the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center along with key departments at IAM Headquarters. In January 2016, Martinez became the organization’s 14th International President.
During his tenure as president, Martinez became the first person of color to lead the IAM and also the first Latino president of a major labor union in U.S. history. His leadership focused on education initiatives, workplace safety improvements, support for working families, organizing efforts, collective bargaining strength, 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 honoring Martinez along with other Texas labor figures in Georgetown, Texas on January 24.
