Reagan's complicated legacy for federal workforce
This week marks the centennial of Ronald Reagan's birth. When it comes to federal employee issues, he's probably most remembered as a big union-busting president.
In August 1981, just months after Reagan took office, air traffic controllers began an illegal strike. Reagan warned them to return to work or he would fire them. When most of them didn't, he kept his word and terminated about 11,000 strikers.
Two months later, the Federal Labor Relations Authority decertified their union, the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization.
Reagan's firm but controversial stance had lasting implications for the federal workforce and far beyond, even internationally.
Federal employees today certainly would not consider striking, which is illegal now just as it was when the air traffic controllers seemed to think they could get away with it....
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In August 1981, just months after Reagan took office, air traffic controllers began an illegal strike. Reagan warned them to return to work or he would fire them. When most of them didn't, he kept his word and terminated about 11,000 strikers.
Two months later, the Federal Labor Relations Authority decertified their union, the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization.
Reagan's firm but controversial stance had lasting implications for the federal workforce and far beyond, even internationally.
Federal employees today certainly would not consider striking, which is illegal now just as it was when the air traffic controllers seemed to think they could get away with it....