Skagway Rail Workers Overwhelmingly Authorize Strike at Key Alaska Attraction

SKAGWAY, Alaska (AP) — Workers for the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad, Skagway's largest employer and a cornerstone of Southeast Alaska's tourism economy, voted last week to authorize a strike, union officials confirmed Friday. Members of SMART Transportation Division Local 1626, including engineers, conductors and maintenance staff, approved the measure by an overwhelming margin following months of negotiations with the carrier. The vote results were first reported by KTOO and KHNS amid the busy summer tourist season, when cruise ships flood the tiny borough with up to 1 million visitors annually.

Negotiations for a new contract began in November 2017, led by General Chairperson Jason Guiler, but have reached an impasse over wages, benefits and working conditions. The White Pass & Yukon Route, a narrow-gauge railroad spanning Skagway to Whitehorse, Yukon, carries passengers through stunning mountain scenery and historic Klondike Gold Rush trails, generating millions in revenue. A strike could halt operations, stranding tourists and costing the local economy dearly in a region heavily reliant on seasonal visitors.

Skagway, with a year-round population under 1,200, sees its fortunes tied to the railway, which employs over 100 during peak season. Regional media, including KTOO and TripAdvisor forums, highlighted the tension as voting concluded Friday. Union representatives urged White Pass management to return to the table, warning that a work stoppage looms without progress. As of May 2, 2026, no strike date has been set, but the authorization keeps pressure on both sides.