René Cruz Martinez, who currently leads IBEW 1245’s Organizing Department, has been appointed to the position of Senior Assistant Business Manager.
Cruz Martinez was initiated into IBEW 1245 in 2011 when he began his career at PG&E as a Customer Service Representative at the Sacramento Call Center. He went on to work as an Operating Clerk, Materials Handler and Routine Field Clerk before joining the union staff as an Organizer in 2017.
From the beginning, Cruz Martinez demonstrated a deep commitment to his union brothers and sisters. In 2012, he volunteered his weekends to campaign against Proposition 32, a ballot measure that threatened to weaken unions’ political influence by restricting their ability to fund political campaigns. The following year, he became a member of IBEW 1245’s inaugural class of 28 Organizing Stewards.
Over the years, Cruz Martinez has played an important role in organizing campaigns, contract fights and political efforts aimed at protecting members’ livelihoods, strengthening their rights and improving their working conditions.
“Anyone who has worked with René knows how deeply he cares about this union and its members. He’s an incredibly gifted leader and a skilled organizer,” said Dean. “At his core, René understands that our greatest strength is our members. He has demonstrated time and again his commitment to protecting their livelihoods and building member leadership. We have some big fights ahead of us, and I’m grateful to have René leading our organizing efforts.”
Cruz Martinez has continued to build upon IBEW 1245’s nationally recognized Organizing Steward program, which empowers rank-and-file members to take an active role in the fights that affect their jobs, contracts and communities.
Please join us in congratulating Brother Cruz Martinez on his well-deserved appointment and thanking him for his continued dedication to the members of IBEW 1245.