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 induction honors his lifelong service to workers in Texas and across the country.
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 time, he served as an educator, safety advocate, and leader within the union at local, district, and international levels.
In 2003, Martinez was elected to the IAM Executive Council as Southern Territory General Vice President. He later became Resident General Vice President in 2013, where he oversaw the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center and several departments at IAM Headquarters. In January 2016, Martinez became the organization’s 14th International President.
During his presidency, Martinez was recognized as the first person of color to lead IAM and the first Latino president of a major labor union in U.S. history. His tenure focused on education initiatives, workplace safety, organizing efforts, collective bargaining activities, and political advocacy for working families.
“IAM International President Brian Bryant said: ‘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 on January 24 in Georgetown, Texas.
