The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has rechartered its Waycross, Georgia-based local as “Local 1,” restoring a designation that dates back to the union’s founding in 1888. The move was marked by a ceremony in Waycross, where union leaders described the change as a way to honor the organization’s origins.
The original Local 1 title refers to the group of 19 machinists who gathered in Atlanta under Thomas Talbot’s leadership to establish what would become one of the largest rail unions globally. The Waycross local, previously known as IAM Local 625 since its chartering in 1933, will now carry forward this historic number.
Curtis W. Taylor, a retired machinist with over forty years of service, commented on the significance of the renaming: “should have been [Number 1] all the time,” referencing Georgia’s role in the union’s history.
Currently, Local 1 represents more than 250 members and primarily serves railroad workers throughout the Southeastern United States. Its activities include supporting freight operations and locomotive maintenance across the region.
As part of the re-chartering events, union officials visited CSX Transportation’s locomotive facility and service center in Waycross. This site is central to producing and maintaining locomotives used nationwide for freight transportation. During their visit, Josh Hartford (Special Assistant to the International President), Reece Murtagh (President and Directing General Chair of District 19), and Jason Gibbs (General Chair) toured facilities, met with members, discussed working conditions with management, and observed daily operations.
Murtagh described Local 1 as both “strong” and “fighting,” stressing that leadership should maintain direct contact with members to uphold workplace standards.
Local 1 operates from a historic union hall—a former church purchased collectively by its members—which is now owned outright and recognized by the Waycross Historical Society for its longstanding community presence.
Jamie Crews, President and Local Chair of Local 1, expressed appreciation for support from international auditing committees and executive boards during this transition: “carrying forward the tradition from 1888.”
Union leaders emphasized that this change is not merely administrative but rather restores historical continuity. By reconnecting today’s membership with Talbot’s legacy and those first machinists in Georgia, IAM aims to reinforce its roots while continuing its mission to support railroad workers across the Southeast.
For many members in Waycross, reclaiming Local 1 reflects both heritage and ongoing commitment—demonstrating that an organization founded over a century ago continues to play an active role for working machinists today.
