Retired International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) International President Robert Martinez Jr. will be inducted into the Texas Labor Hall of Fame, an honor recognizing his career dedicated to advancing workers’ rights in Texas and across the United States.
Martinez, who is a U.S. Naval Air veteran and lifelong Texan, began his involvement with IAM in 1980 as an aircraft assembler at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth. 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 Southern Territory General Vice President on the IAM Executive Council. Ten years later he became Resident General Vice President overseeing the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center along with several departments at IAM Headquarters. In January 2016, he was installed as the union’s 14th International President.
Martinez’s tenure included significant milestones for both IAM and the broader labor movement. He became the first person of color to lead the IAM and was also recognized as the first Latino president of a major U.S. labor union. During his leadership he focused on education, safety initiatives, collective bargaining efforts, organizing campaigns, 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 where Martinez will be honored alongside other notable figures from Texas labor history.
