TCU/IAM: Martinez to retire, Bryant to become president

Transportation Communications Union/IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. plans to retire Jan. 1, 2024. At that time, Resident General Vice President Brian Bryant will succeed him in the union's top post.

A U.S. Naval Air veteran, Martinez began his TCU/IAM career as an aircraft assembler at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth, Texas. He held numerous positions at the local, district and grand lodge levels before joining the TCU/IAM Executive Council in 2003 as southern territory general vice president.

Prior to his January 2016 installment as international president, Martinez was the union's resident general VP since 2013.

Martinez’ leadership allowed the IAM to emerge from the pandemic with financial stability, register historic membership growth through robust and innovative organizing, and grow into new industries, union officials said in a press release.

Using new organizing tactics and strategies, the TCU/IAM was the leading AFL-CIO affiliate in National Labor Relations Board union election victories from 2018 through 2022, they added.

"Bob Martinez is a fearless leader who has led our international union through some very tough challenges. And because of his leadership we came through every challenge stronger, better and more united," said TCU President Artie Maratea. "[We] appreciate his unwavering support and we wish him the very best in retirement.”

Bryant joined the IAM Eastern Territory staff as a special representative in 2004. He since has held the positions of eastern territory chief of staff, headquarters general VP and general VP in the general secretary-treasurer’s office.

“Brian is a proven leader who deeply understands the challenges facing our union,” said Martinez. “His experience in organizing, servicing, and managing staff and finances will serve the membership well."