The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has rechartered its Waycross, Georgia local as “Local 1,” restoring a title 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 reclaim the IAM’s historical identity.
The redesignation pays tribute to the original 19 machinists who gathered in Atlanta under Thomas Talbot’s leadership to establish what would become one of the largest rail unions globally. Previously, the Waycross-based local was known as IAM Local 625 since its chartering in 1933, carrying that designation for nearly a century.
Curtis W. Taylor, a retired machinist with over forty years of service, said, “should have been [Number 1] all the time,” referencing the local’s ties to Georgia and its place in union history.
Currently headquartered in Waycross, Local 1 represents more than 250 members and primarily serves railroad workers throughout the Southeastern United States. The local is involved in supporting employees connected to freight operations and locomotive maintenance across the region.
As part of the re-chartering events, union leadership visited the CSX Transportation locomotive facility and service center in Waycross. The site plays an important role in producing and maintaining locomotives used for freight transportation nationwide. During their visit, officials including 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 a “strong” and “fighting” Local. He emphasized how leadership must maintain direct contact with members and ensure workplace standards remain high.
Local 1 operates from a historic union hall—a former church purchased collectively by its members. This building is owned outright by the local and is recognized by the Waycross Historical Society for its longstanding community presence.
Jamie Crews, President and Local Chair of Local 1, expressed gratitude toward international auditing committees and executive boards for their support during this transition: “expressed pride in carrying forward the 1888 tradition.”
Union leaders characterized this change not simply as an administrative update but as restoring historical continuity. By aligning Waycross’s local with Talbot’s legacy and that of the original machinists from Georgia, IAM aims to reinforce its deep roots while continuing support for railroad workers across the Southeast.
For current members in Waycross, this new charter reflects both heritage and ongoing commitment—demonstrating that principles established more than a century ago still influence working machinists today.
