WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Thursday issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed legislation to avert a nationwide rail strike, while failing to pass an amendment to guarantee paid sick days to rail workers:

“I’m proud that the House of Representatives passed legislation to guarantee seven days of paid sick leave for all rail workers. While I’m disappointed that we were unable to get the 60 votes we needed in the Senate, we did receive the votes of every Senate Democrat, but one, as well as six Republicans.

“Let me be clear. This struggle is not over. At a time of record-breaking profits for the rail industry, it is disgraceful that railroad workers do not have a single day of paid sick leave. As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, I will do everything I can to make sure that rail workers in America are treated with dignity and respect.”