White Pass and Yukon Route rail workers voted last week to authorize a strike. The railway is Skagway’s biggest employer and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Southeast Alaska.
A strike will not happen right away. Negotiations are bound by the Railway Labor Act, which requires mediation and a 30-day cooling-off period before workers could strike.
Jason Guiler chairs the local chapter of the union that represents White Pass’s 27 Alaska-based engineers, conductors and brakemen.
He said the vote was overwhelmingly supported by union members.
Guiler: “I think that many of the group feel that it’s unfortunate that at this point, that company has yet to come forward with a recognition of the wages that we do deserve.”
In a press release, union Vice President Brent Leonard said the railroad’s pay has not kept up with the cost of living.
Leonard said QUOTE “Six years is far too long for these families to go without normal raises.” END QUOTE
Guiler says union members want to keep working, but they also want recognition for the work they do.
Guiler: “It’s an opportunity to be able to participate in these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and experiences with these guests who come to visit Skagway and Alaska.”
As of Monday morning, representatives of the railroad had not responded to a request for an interview.
