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 career dedicated to advocating for workers’ rights both in Texas and nationally.
Martinez, a native Texan and U.S. Naval Air veteran, started his career in 1980 as an aircraft assembler at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth, where he joined IAM Local 776A. Over the years, he advanced through various roles within the union, including educator and safety advocate, before taking on leadership positions at local, district, and international levels.
He joined the IAM Executive Council in 2003 as Southern Territory General Vice President. In this capacity, he represented union members across a large region. In 2013, Martinez became Resident General Vice President, overseeing the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center along with several key departments at IAM Headquarters. He was installed as IAM’s 14th International President in January 2016.
Martinez’s tenure as president was notable for several milestones: he became the first person of color to lead the IAM and was also recognized as the first Latino president of a major labor union in U.S. history. During his time as president, Martinez focused on education, workplace safety initiatives, and empowering working families through organizing efforts and collective bargaining.
“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 scheduled for January 24 in Georgetown, Texas, where Martinez will be honored alongside other figures from Texas labor history.
