Why did Reagan fire the air traffic controllers???

Cian O

Reagean hated organized labour unions.

ElaineMT

The air traffic controllers went on strike. There was a law at that time prohibiting them from going on strike. They were given the opportunity to return to work, they didn't, Reagan fired 'em.

1st Amendment Nut

They went on strike over working conditions. At the time, air travel was highly regulated, and there was a growing push to deregulate the industry. Part of this involved cost cutting on some things involvin safety. Patco's demands would have forced the hiring of more controllers. Instead, thos on strike were fired, and replaced with an equal number of inexperienced individuals.

Controller errors, which had been an issue in the strike, increased.

malter

They worked for the union and the union went on strike and he told them that he wanted them back to work and gave them a time limit to report back to work or he would terminate their services. Some union members did return to work, although it was a real small number. The union told their members to stay out that the union could force the government to pay higher wages and they would get their positions back.

Wrong.....the President hired new controllers and terminated those that did not return to work as he directed.

ahsoasho2u2

This all began in 1969 when the air traffic controllers were organized into PATCO (professional air traffic controllers) union and went on strike. the federal Court intervened and they won a 110% raise.
From 69-81 the Air Traffic Controllers were as big as any union.
In 1981 on Aug 3rd thy went on strike figuring they were Federal Employees and the courts would intervene again.
Ronald Reagan orderd them all back to work as aresult of the "Taft Harley Act". (Peril to National safety and security)
On Aug 5 th 1981, 1,500 of 13,000 returned to work. Reagan fired the rest of them who defied him and filled the slots with management, quick hires, military etc..11,345 lost heir jobs because they believed it could or would not happen.

Prophet 1102

Because the broke the law when they went on strike.

Cecilia F

There are certain types of workers who do not have the legal right to strike -- for public safety reasons. So, cops and firefighters and, you guessed it, air traffic controllers can't walk off the job because they will put so many people in danger by doing it. The air traffic controllers were warned that, if they should strike, not only would they be fired, they would also be barred from ever working in air traffic control again. They walked off the job, essentially calling the president's bluff. But he wasn't bluffing.

Sean

The went on strike even though they weren't supposed to because their jobs are a part of our national security. No airplanes could fly when they were striking.

I always thought that was a bold and necessary move by a real leader.

Joe W

Because they went on strike which was and is a violation of law. They paralyzed the air transportation system and he had to get it back into action.
He offered them an opportunity to go back to work and told them that any who continued to strike would be fired.
They did not beleive him because they thought he was posturing.
To their regret they found out otherwise.

Vet. With out Country

Yes He did to end strack by controllers

A blank!

They striked and wouldn't return to work it was a national security issue.

NYC Sewers

yes he did. that is when the "union busting" began. he hated unions of any kind. pro-management and owners and damn-the-workers policy. the news media made him look like a hero.

that is a key policy that those who love reagan take great pride in. that was a "landmark" GOP decision. i did not know that at the time but now i do.

Dan The Man

Because he was payed off like all the other government officials.All in the name of MONEY !

david786

They Refused to stop the Strike.

davidosterberg1

They were Federal employees, and although they were unionized, they were forbidden to strike. Because their union backed Regan's election campaign, they believed that ignoring the anti-strike clause in their contract would be ignored. It wasn't and lots of highly paid individuals lost their jobs due to their union leaders' mis-calculation.

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