Air+Traffic+Controllers+Strike

Overview[[image:atc.jpg width="150" height="199" align="right" caption="Air traffic controllers" link="http://www.claytondeerparkhistoricalsociety.com/images/atc.jpg"]]
In August of 1981 the government air traffic control employees became dissatisfied with their treatment and sought the protection of the Union. The Union was required to make a deal with the federal government by 7 A.M. on August 3, 1981. Robert E. Poli, the president of the air traffic controllers’ union, at 2:30 A.M. that day ended negotiations. His reasoning was the, “insult,” that the government presented the air traffic controllers with. The members of the Union decided to hold a vote pertaining to a possible strike. Under federal law, a walkout of this nature was forbidden. The Reagan Administration presented advised that this action would not be tolerated, and negotiations would cease at that point. The initial vote on June 22 did not pass, leading to an arbitrary agreement. At this time though, workers had had enough.

Central Issue
Despite the initial decline of a proposed strike, air traffic controllers on August 3, 1981 refused to work. The New York Times read, “Federal air traffic controllers began an illegal nationwide strike today, grounding about half of the normal 14,200 daily airline flights.” In total, an estimated 7,000 flights were dismissed. The initial repercussions were brutal. President Reagan insisted the termination of all employees that did not report to work by 11 A.M. of that day. Likewise, a Federal judge ordered the daily payment of $1 million due to contempt of court; Robert E. Poli was subjected to a $1,000 fine. The effect of the walkout caused a mere 22 percent to originally show up to work.

Conclusion/Historical Significance
The air traffic controllers’ strike was the first major union test of the Reagan Administration. The New York Times said that the White House and President, “…felt so strongly about the strike that he was firm in his demand for strong action against the strikers, who are demanding increased pay and benefits.” 2,500 military controllers were designated to replace the striking employees. This plan was deemed, “a safety hazard,” by Mr. Poli. The air traffic controllers’ strike was a major union movement in America. It proved the importance of worker’s rights and liberties. The strike proved that unions could make a difference in a society based on capitalism.

===References (2009-10.1.2.K Alyssa Brown & Adam Dorzinski)===