The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has rechartered its Waycross, Georgia-based local, restoring the historic “Local 1” designation. This move reconnects the local to the union’s origins in 1888, when 19 machinists led by Thomas Talbot established what would become a major labor organization for railroad workers.
The ceremony in Waycross marked the official transition from IAM Local 625—first chartered in 1933—to Local 1. Union officials described this as a tribute to the union’s founding and an effort to reinforce historical ties between current members and the original machinists who met in Atlanta.
Curtis W. Taylor, a retired machinist with over forty years of experience, commented on the significance of the change. “It should have been [Number 1] all the time,” Taylor said, referencing Georgia’s central role in IAM history.
Local 1 now represents more than 250 members, primarily serving railroad workers across the Southeastern United States. The local supports employees involved in freight operations and locomotive maintenance throughout the region.
As part of the re-chartering events, union leaders visited CSX Transportation’s locomotive facility and service center in Waycross. The delegation included Josh Hartford, Special Assistant to the International President; Reece Murtagh, President and Directing General Chair of District 19; and Jason Gibbs, General Chair. They toured work areas, met with members, discussed workplace conditions with management, and observed daily operations at a site important for national freight transportation.
Reece Murtagh highlighted Local 1’s active role within IAM: “Local 1 is a strong Local and a fighting Local,” he said. He also stressed that leadership must stay engaged with members to uphold workplace standards.
The union hall for Local 1 is located in a former church purchased collectively by its members. The building is owned outright and is recognized by the Waycross Historical Society as part of local heritage.
Jamie Crews, President and Local Chair of Local 1, acknowledged support from international auditing committees and executive boards during this transition. Crews expressed pride in maintaining traditions dating back to 1888.
Union leaders characterized this change as more than administrative—it serves as an effort to restore historical continuity linking today’s membership with IAM’s founding figures while continuing its focus on supporting railroad workers throughout the Southeast.
For many members in Waycross, regaining the “Local 1” title is both recognition of their heritage and affirmation of their ongoing commitment to representing working machinists—a tradition that began over a century ago.
