The Air Traffic Controller Showdown That Haunts American Labor

A defining moment for Reagan was also a turning point in the decline of unions.

A man in a suit with a briefcase walks by a line of picketers holding signs on sticks or wearing them on their chests or backs. Signs read: "For mass pickets to shut down the airports!" Labor: Shut down the aiports!" "Victory to the PATCO strike!" "Organized labor supports the air traffic controllers" October 20, 2025, 12:01 AM Comment icon View Comments ( )

U.S. President Donald Trump wants to lay off federal workers during the government shutdown. In contrast to previous presidents who have furloughed employees during shutdowns since 1979, Trump is trying to go much further. He is using this political crisis as an opportunity to conti

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