Retired International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) International President Robert Martinez Jr. will be inducted into the Texas Labor Hall of Fame. The recognition highlights his long career in supporting workers’ rights both in Texas and nationally.
Martinez, a Texas native and U.S. Naval Air veteran, began his involvement with IAM in 1980 as an aircraft assembler at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth, where he joined IAM Local 776A. He advanced through various roles within the union, including educator and safety advocate, before taking on leadership positions at multiple levels.
He was elected to the IAM Executive Council in 2003 as Southern Territory General Vice President. In 2013, he became Resident General Vice President, overseeing education and technology initiatives as well as key departments at IAM Headquarters. Martinez assumed the role of IAM’s 14th International President in January 2016.
During his tenure, Martinez made history by becoming the first person of color to lead the IAM and the first Latino president of a major labor union in the United States. He focused on education, workplace safety, and increasing worker participation in organizing and collective bargaining efforts.
“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 in Georgetown, Texas on January 24 to honor Martinez alongside other notable figures from Texas labor history.
