What significant action did President Ronald Reagan take concerning air traffic controllers in 1981?

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan took the significant action of terminating the employment of over 11,000 air traffic controllers who had participated in a strike organized by the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO). This decision was rooted in the fact that the strike was deemed illegal under the Taft-Hartley Act, which prohibited federal employees from engaging in strike actions. Reagan's firm stance emphasized the importance of maintaining safety in air travel and upholding the law, showcasing a pivotal moment in labor relations within the federal government. This action not only changed the employment status of those controllers but also had lasting effects on the labor relations landscape, reinforcing the federal government's position against strikes by public sector employees. The repercussions of this event resonated throughout the aviation industry and labor movements across the country, marking a significant shift in the balance of power between labor unions and the federal government.