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 long-standing service to workers in Texas and throughout the United States.
Martinez began his career with IAM in 1980 as an aircraft assembler at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth, Texas, joining IAM Local 776A. Over the years, he held several roles within the union, including educator and safety advocate, before advancing through local, district, and international leadership positions.
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 key departments at IAM Headquarters and managed the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center. In January 2016, Martinez became the IAM’s 14th International President.
During his tenure as president, Martinez made history by becoming both the first person of color to lead IAM and the first Latino president of a major labor union in U.S. history. His leadership focused on education initiatives, workplace safety improvements, and efforts to strengthen collective bargaining and political advocacy for working families.
“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 in Georgetown, Texas on January 24. The event will also honor other notable figures from Texas’ labor community.
