WASHINGTON, March 7 – Sen. Bernie Sanders issued the following statement Thursday after Wabtec and UE Locals 506 and 618 announced that they have reached an agreement to end the strike at the Company’s Erie, Pennsylvania, manufacturing facility:

“Let me congratulate UE Locals 506 and 618 in Erie, Pennsylvania, for their successful effort in standing up for justice and dignity. Their victory is not only a win for the workers at Wabtec, but for workers all around America who are sick and tired of seeing their standard of living decline as a result of corporate greed. This strike should send a message to corporate CEOs across the country: It is absolutely unacceptable for profitable corporations to provide obscene compensation packages to executives, while ripping off workers and their families. 

“During the next 90 days, I urge the CEO of Wabtec to sit down at the bargaining table and negotiate a fair contract with its union workers. Corporate CEOs have got to understand that they cannot have it all. Workers must be treated with dignity and respect.”