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Today in History: Reagan Fires 11,345 Air Traffic Controllers in Strike

8/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On August 5, 1981, President Ronald Reagan fired 11,345 air traffic controllers who were on strike, marking a significant confrontation between the federal government and labor unions. The strike, deemed illegal as it violated federal law, led to the decertification of the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) and solidified Reagan's stance against organized labor.

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Story summary

On August 5, 1981, President Ronald Reagan fired 11,345 air traffic controllers who were on strike, marking a significant confrontation between the federal government and labor unions. The strike, deemed illegal as it violated federal law, led to the decertification of the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) and solidified Reagan's stance against organized labor.