Retired International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), Robert “Bob” Martinez Jr., has been inducted into the Texas AFL-CIO Labor Hall of Fame. The honor recognizes his more than 43 years of leadership and service to workers in Texas, the United States, Canada, and globally.
Martinez began his union involvement in 1980 as an aircraft assembler at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth, joining IAM Local 776A. Reflecting on his early days 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.”
Martinez’s career saw him rise from shop floor worker to become IAM’s 14th International President in 2016. He made history as both the first Latino president of IAM and the first Latino leader of a major U.S. labor union.
Jody Bennett, IAM Resident General Vice President and longtime member of IAM District 776, introduced Martinez at the ceremony. Bennett remarked: “Bob’s story is a labor story. It’s a Texas story. And it’s an American story. 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 also 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. This recognition reflects the impact he made not just in Texas, but the countless lives he changed along the way.”
During his time as International President, Martinez guided IAM through growth and innovation by expanding organizing efforts into new industries and developing support programs for members. His leadership emphasized financial stability for IAM and promoted advancement opportunities for women and underrepresented groups within union leadership.
Martinez was recognized for advocating for workers during critical times such as the COVID-19 pandemic when he led efforts to preserve union jobs. He also represented workers nationally by serving on several councils including chairing the AFL-CIO Industrial Union Council and participating in federal advisory roles like on the U.S. President’s Export Council.
Throughout his career, Martinez maintained strong ties to his roots in Texas. 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,” adding that he carried “the grit, the values, and the pride of Texas working people with me everywhere I went.”
Martinez retired from active service in 2024 after decades dedicated to promoting solidarity among workers and advancing their rights.
