BOB MARTINEZ

Robert “Bob” Martinez Jr. forged generational change as a trailblazer in the Texas and U.S. labor movement, dedicating more than 43 years of service to the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM). 

A proud Texan and U.S. Naval Air veteran, Martinez began his union journey in 1980 as an aircraft assembler at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth, Texas, where he became a member of IAM Local 776A. From these roots, he became the IAM’s 14th International President in 2016 – making history as the first person of color to lead IAM and the first Latino president of a major labor union in the history of the U.S. 

Under Martinez’s leadership, the IAM employed innovative organizing strategies to reach workers in new sectors, created groundbreaking member-assistance programs, achieved historic financial stability, and expanded pathways for women and other underrepresented groups to develop into leadership roles. 

Martinez also led the fight for working families through landmark victories like the airline Payroll Support Program and the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Program, saving hundreds of thousands of jobs. 

As a member of the AFL-CIO’s Executive Council, chairman of the AFL-CIO’s Industrial Union Council, and a member of the U.S. President’s Export Council, Martinez was a leading voice for domestic manufacturing, especially for defense production. He led the charge to increase “Buy American” standards and served as a strong voice for workers worldwide as IndustriALL’s global aerospace chairman.

Martinez retired in 2024, leaving a legacy rooted in solidarity, justice, and an unshakeable belief in the dignity of all workers.