U.S. Senate lacks votes to require rail worker sick leave

The U.S. Senate on Thursday failed to approve a measure to require railroads to give seven days of paid sick leave to railroad employees, but was poised to approve separate legislation to impose a tentative contract deal reached in September and avoid a rail stoppage that could begin as early as Dec. 9.

Supporters of the sick leave measure needed 60 votes in the 100-member Senate for approval. 51 senators have voted in favor and 43 against with voting ongoing.