IAM District 776 in Fort Worth has dedicated its union hall atrium to Robert Martinez Jr., a retired International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). The tribute, which had been months in the making, honors Martinez’s 43-year career with the IAM. He began as an aircraft assembler and member of Local 776A in 1980 and eventually led the organization for eight years, serving on its Executive Council for two decades.
The newly named gallery features photographs, mementos, and awards from Martinez’s tenure as the IAM’s 14th International President. As the first Latino member of the IAM Executive Council, Martinez played a key role in advancing both the union and broader labor movement.
“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.”
Martinez guided IAM through challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting relief efforts for airline and aerospace workers that preserved many jobs. Under his leadership, IAM expanded into sectors like healthcare and became a leading AFL-CIO affiliate in National Labor Relations Board election victories between 2018 and 2022.
He also initiated new programs for members’ families—including VA claims assistance for veterans at no cost, addiction services support, and leadership opportunities for women through initiatives like Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (IAM LEADS).
The dedication ceremony also recognized Paul Black and Earnest Boone—District 776 President Directing Business Representative and Business Representative respectively—who each retired after more than four decades with IAM.
Martinez thanked Joe Alviar, an IAM Business Representative, along with his wife Linda for their work designing the atrium space that houses his memorabilia collection.
“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.”
