Retired International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) International President Robert “Bob” Martinez Jr. has been inducted into the Texas AFL-CIO Labor Hall of Fame, recognizing his more than 43 years of service to workers 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. 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.”
He advanced through various roles within IAM and became its 14th International President in 2016. Martinez made history as both the first Latino president of IAM and the first Latino president of a major U.S. labor union.
At the ceremony, Jody Bennett, IAM Resident General Vice President and longtime member of IAM District 776, introduced Martinez. Bennett stated: “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 recognition: “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.”
Martinez led significant changes during his time as International President from 2016 until his retirement in 2024. Under his leadership, IAM expanded organizing efforts into new industries; launched member-assistance programs; improved financial stability; and promoted opportunities for women and underrepresented groups within union leadership.
He also played key roles outside IAM by serving on national councils such as the AFL-CIO Executive Council and chairing its Industrial Union Council. He participated on federal advisory panels like the U.S. President’s Export Council where he advocated for domestic manufacturing policies.
Reflecting on his roots throughout his career Martinez said: “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, values and pride” of Texas working people everywhere.
Martinez retired from active union leadership in 2024 after over four decades focused on advancing worker rights.
