Chris Salinas has been appointed as a Special Representative in the Southern Territory of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), with his new role set to begin on January 1, 2026. The announcement was made by IAM International President Brian Bryant.
Craig Martin, General Vice President for the IAM Southern Territory, commented on Salinas’s appointment: “Chris has always shown what it means to truly represent our members. His deep engagement in our union, his commitment to fighting for our members, and his leadership at every level make him a strong addition to the Southern Territory team.”
Salinas began his involvement with IAM as an aircraft composite worker when he participated in organizing efforts at the L-3 Vertex worksite at Corpus Christi Army Depot in 2014. That same year, he joined IAM Local 2916 and was elected Shop Steward.
His roles within the union expanded over time. In 2015, Salinas became Trustee of Local 2916. Two years later, he was appointed Secretary-Treasurer of the Local and served as a delegate to the Coastal Bend Labor Council on local and state AFL-CIO matters.
In 2019, Salinas was elected Chief Steward for the Amentum contract. He became Vice President of the Coastal Bend Labor Council in 2020 and was elected President of that council in 2024.
Since 2023, Salinas has chaired both the Legislative and Organizing Committees for Local 2916. He has also served as Vice President for Region 6 of the IAM Texas State Council.
