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 extensive service to workers in Texas and throughout the United States.
Martinez’s induction acknowledges his decades-long commitment to advocating for labor rights. He began his career with IAM in 1980 as an aircraft assembler at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth, Texas, where he joined IAM Local 776A. Over the years, he served as an educator, safety advocate, and held various leadership positions at local, district, and international levels within the union.
In 2003, Martinez was elected Southern Territory General Vice President on the IAM Executive Council. By 2013, he had become Resident General Vice President, overseeing the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center along with several departments at IAM Headquarters. He was installed as IAM’s 14th International President in January 2016.
During his presidency, Martinez became both the first person of color to lead the IAM and the first Latino president of a major U.S. labor union. His tenure focused on education initiatives, workplace safety programs, organizing efforts, collective bargaining strategies, 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 on January 24 in Georgetown, Texas. Members of IAM along with other labor supporters are invited to attend as Martinez is honored alongside other notable figures from Texas labor history.
