Chris Salinas has been appointed as a Special Representative in the Southern Territory of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), with his term beginning on January 1, 2026. The announcement was made by IAM International President Brian Bryant.
Craig Martin, IAM Southern Territory General Vice President, commented on the appointment: “Chris has always shown what it means to truly represent our members. His deep engagement in our union, his commitment to fighting for our members, and his leadership at every level make him a strong addition to the Southern Territory team.”
Salinas began his involvement with IAM after helping organize his L-3 Vertex worksite at the Corpus Christi Army Depot in 2014. He joined IAM Local 2916 that year and was elected Shop Steward soon after. In 2015, he became Trustee of Local 2916 and later served as Secretary-Treasurer while representing the local chapter as a delegate to the Coastal Bend Labor Council on AFL-CIO matters.
In 2019, Salinas was elected Chief Steward for the Amentum contract. He went on to become Vice President of the Coastal Bend Labor Council in 2020 and was named its President in 2024. Since 2023, he has chaired both Legislative and Organizing Committees for Local 2916 and served as Vice President for Region 6 of the IAM Texas State Council.
