IAM District 776 in Fort Worth has dedicated its union hall atrium to retired International President Robert Martinez Jr., recognizing his more than four decades of service to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). The tribute, unveiled after months of planning, features a gallery of photographs, memorabilia, and awards that highlight Martinez’s career.
Martinez began his career with IAM in 1980 as an aircraft assembler and member of Local 776A. He later became the first Latino on the IAM Executive Council and served as International President for eight years before retiring in January 2024. Reflecting on his time with the organization, Martinez said, “This hall, this district, and this union has meant the world to me and my family. 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 leadership, Martinez guided the IAM through significant challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting relief efforts for airline and aerospace workers—measures that helped preserve hundreds of thousands of jobs. He also led initiatives to expand IAM’s reach into new sectors like healthcare and oversaw a period when IAM was recognized as the leading AFL-CIO affiliate in National Labor Relations Board union election victories from 2018 through 2022.
Martinez directed the development of programs aimed at supporting both members and their families. These included free VA claims assistance for military veterans within IAM households, an addiction services program, and a women’s leadership initiative called Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (IAM LEADS).
The dedication ceremony also acknowledged District 776 President Directing Business Representative Paul Black and Business Representative Earnest Boone for their retirement after 45 years each with IAM.
Martinez expressed gratitude toward Joe Alviar, an IAM Business Representative, and his wife Linda for designing much of the atrium space and organizing displays related to his career achievements.
“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.”
