IAM District 776 in Fort Worth has dedicated its union hall atrium to honor retired International President Robert Martinez Jr., who stepped down in January 2024 after more than four decades with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). The tribute includes a gallery featuring photographs, memorabilia, and awards from Martinez’s career.
Martinez began his IAM journey in 1980 as an aircraft assembler and member of Local 776A. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become the organization’s first Latino member of the Executive Council and eventually served as International President for eight years. He was on the Executive Council for two decades.
“This hall, this district, and this union has meant the world to me and my family,” said Martinez. “This union gave me a purpose when I was 20 years old. It gave me a shot at the American dream, to make a living and support my family. Together, we have improved the lives of countless IAM members.”
During his tenure, Martinez led IAM through significant challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic by advocating for relief measures that preserved jobs in airline and aerospace sectors. He also helped expand IAM’s reach into new industries like healthcare and contributed to making IAM a leading AFL-CIO affiliate in National Labor Relations Board union election victories between 2018 and 2022.
Martinez oversaw initiatives aimed at supporting members and their families, including programs for military veterans’ VA claims assistance, addiction services, and leadership opportunities for women through the Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (IAM LEADS).
The dedication ceremony also recognized District 776 President Directing Business Representative Paul Black and Business Representative Earnest Boone upon their retirement after 45 years each with IAM.
Martinez expressed appreciation to Joe Alviar, an IAM Business Representative, and his wife Linda for designing the atrium displays honoring his career.
“Again I say thank you. It’s been a great honor,” said Martinez. “Our leadership, headed by our great International President Brian Bryant, has the IAM going in the right direction. I can’t wait to see where we’re going next, and I’m cheering all of you and our union on from retirement.”