Retired International President Robert “Bob” Martinez Jr. of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has been inducted into the Texas AFL-CIO’s Labor Hall of Fame. The recognition highlights his more than 43 years of service to labor movements in Texas, the United States, Canada, and internationally.
Martinez began his career in 1980 as an aircraft assembler at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth and joined IAM Local 776A after serving in the U.S. Navy. During his induction speech at the Texas AFL-CIO COPE Convention, Martinez said, “When I first walked through the doors at General Dynamics as a member of IAM Local 776A, fresh out of the United States Navy, I wasn’t thinking about titles or awards. I was thinking about earning a living, taking care of my family, and standing shoulder to shoulder with the men and women next to me on the job.”
Over time, Martinez advanced within IAM ranks and became its 14th International President in 2016—the first Latino to lead both IAM and any major labor union in U.S. history.
At the ceremony, Jody Bennett, IAM Resident General Vice President and fellow Texan from District 776, introduced Martinez by reflecting on his contributions: “Bob’s story is a labor story. It’s a Texas story. And it’s an American story,” Bennett said. “Like so many of our members, he didn’t set out to lead a union—he set out to earn a living, protect his coworkers, and make things better than he found them.”
IAM International President Brian Bryant commented on Martinez’s impact: “Bob Martinez is a leader whose commitment to working people helped shape the modern IAM and strengthened the labor movement around the world,” Bryant said. “This recognition reflects the impact he made not just in Texas, but the countless lives he changed along the way.”
Martinez accepted his induction surrounded by family and colleagues.
As International President from 2016 until his retirement in 2024, Martinez oversaw efforts that expanded organizing into new sectors; launched support programs for members; improved financial stability; and increased opportunities for women and underrepresented groups within leadership roles. He also advocated for workers during crises such as COVID-19.
In addition to leading IAM, Martinez held positions on several national councils including membership on the AFL-CIO Executive Council and chairing its Industrial Union Council. He served on presidential advisory boards supporting domestic manufacturing policies such as Buy American standards while representing aerospace workers globally through IndustriALL.
Reflecting on his career roots during his speech at induction ceremonies he stated: “For decades—whether I was in Washington, D.C., or wherever this work took me—everyone knew one thing about me: I represented Texas,” said Martinez. “I was a Navy veteran. I was a union machinist. And I carried the grit, the values, and the pride of Texas working people with me everywhere I went.”
Martinez retired two years ago after more than four decades with IAM.
