The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has rechartered its Waycross, Georgia-based local as “Local 1,” a title that connects the group to the union’s origins in 1888. The ceremony, held in Waycross, was described by union leaders as an effort to reclaim IAM’s historical identity and honor the original 19 machinists who founded the organization under Thomas Talbot in Atlanta.
The local had been known as IAM Local 625 since its chartering in 1933. Union officials said the change to “Local 1” serves as a tribute to IAM’s beginnings and links current members with the union’s early history.
Curtis W. Taylor, a retired machinist with over forty years of experience, supported the renaming. Taylor said, “should have been [Number 1] all the time,” referring to the local’s historic connection to Georgia where IAM was founded.
Currently representing more than 250 members, Local 1 supports railroad workers across the Southeastern United States. The local is involved with freight operations and locomotive maintenance throughout the region.
As part of re-chartering events, union leadership visited CSX Transportation’s locomotive facility and service center in Waycross. This site is significant for producing and maintaining locomotives vital for national freight transport.
Participants in this visit 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 facilities, met with members, discussed working conditions with management, and observed daily operations.
Murtagh commented on Local 1’s character: “strong” and “fighting” Local. He stressed that leadership should 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—which is now owned outright by the local. The building is recognized by the Waycross Historical Society for its longstanding role in the community.
Jamie Crews, President and Local Chair of Local 1, voiced appreciation for being able to continue IAM’s tradition from 1888: “I thank international auditing committees and executive boards for their support throughout this transition process.”
Union leaders emphasized that restoring “Local 1” is not just an administrative change but a way to reinforce historical continuity between today’s membership and those who started IAM over a century ago. For current members in Waycross, it reflects both heritage and ongoing commitment—showing that values established at IAM’s founding still influence machinists’ lives today.
