Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Joseph "Jo-Jo" Martinez

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today’s profile features Joseph “Jo-Jo” Martinez.

Joseph “Jo-Jo” Martinez is the president of UMWA Local 6126 (Las Animas County Workers) in Trinidad, Colorado, a position he has served in for more than 16 years. His father and uncles were all union coal miners and played a big role in Jo-Jo’s interest in becoming a union member. Martinez represents his union brothers, sisters and siblings during negotiations, such as yearly wage re-openers and the grievance process. Every year, he helps keep the Ludlow Massacre memorial site presentable to visitors.