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’s Labor Hall of Fame. The recognition honors his more than 43 years of service to workers in Texas, across North America, and internationally.
Martinez began his career in 1980 as an aircraft assembler at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth, joining IAM Local 776A after leaving the U.S. Navy. 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.”
Over time, Martinez rose through union ranks to become IAM’s 14th International President in 2016. He made history as both the first Latino leader of IAM and the first Latino president of a major labor union in U.S. history.
Jody Bennett, IAM Resident General Vice President and fellow Texan from District 776, introduced Martinez at the ceremony by highlighting 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 also commended Martinez for his influence on workers’ rights: “Bob Martinez is a leader whose commitment to working people helped shape the modern IAM and strengthened the labor movement around the world,” Bryant stated. “This recognition reflects the impact he made not just in Texas, but the countless lives he changed along the way.”
During his leadership as International President until retiring in 2024, Martinez guided IAM through expansion into new industries and implemented programs supporting members’ needs. He focused on financial stability for the organization and promoted opportunities for women and underrepresented groups within union leadership.
Martinez played an active role beyond IAM by serving on national bodies such as the AFL-CIO Executive Council and chairing its Industrial Union Council. He was also part of policy efforts like strengthening Buy American standards while representing aerospace workers globally.
Reflecting on his career roots during his acceptance speech, 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 with him “the grit, values, and pride” associated with Texas working people.
Martinez’s legacy includes advocacy during crises such as COVID-19 when he fought to preserve union jobs nationwide. He retired two years ago after decades dedicated to solidarity among workers.
