Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
45 years ago today, 13,000 members of the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) illegally went on strike. President Ronald Reagan issued a clear ultimatum: “If they do not report for work within 48 hours, they have forfeited their jobs and will be terminated.”
Two days later, on August 5, he followed through—firing the 11,000+ who hadn’t returned to work.
As a former union leader, President Reagan believed strongly in workers’ rights—but also in the rule of law and public trust. A defining act of presidential leadership.
For more information on the ongoing works of President Reagan's Foundation, please visit reaganfoundation.org
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/RonaldReagan
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/ronaldreagan
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/reaganfoundation
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ronald-reagan-presidential-library-foundation
Newsletter Sign-up: reaganfoundation.org/newsletter
45 years ago today, 13,000 members of the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) illegally went on strike. President Ronald Reagan issued a clear ultimatum: “If they do not report for work within 48 hours, they have forfeited their jobs and will be terminated.”
Two days later, on August 5, he followed through—firing the 11,000+ who hadn’t returned to work.
As a former union leader, President Reagan believed strongly in workers’ rights—but also in the rule of law and public trust. A defining act of presidential leadership.
For more information on the ongoing works of President Reagan's Foundation, please visit reaganfoundation.org
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/RonaldReagan
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/ronaldreagan
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/reaganfoundation
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ronald-reagan-presidential-library-foundation
Newsletter Sign-up: reaganfoundation.org/newsletter
