BURLINGTON, Vt., March 3 – U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement in support of the teachers on strike in West Virginia:

“Over a hundred years ago the coal miners of West Virginia helped lead the struggle in our country for fair wages and dignity on the job. Today, the teachers of West Virginia are carrying on that brave tradition. There is no more important work than educating our young people. The teachers of West Virginia, and teachers throughout our country, deserve decent salaries and affordable health care. I stand with the teachers of West Virginia in their fight for justice and dignity.”