The Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO), representing air traffic controllers in the United States, went on strike in August, demanding better working conditions and increased wages. The strike, however, was declared illegal by then-President Ronald Reagan, who emphasized the priority of maintaining air traffic safety and efficiency. As the strike continued, Reagan's administration took drastic measures, including firing over 11,000 strikers who refused to return to work. This action not only showcased the administration's determination to not negotiate under pressure but also set a precedent regarding labor disputes in the federal sector.

On October 22, 1981, the US Federal Labor Relations Authority made a significant ruling by officially decertifying PATCO. This decision effectively stripped the union of its rights to represent the air traffic controllers, marking a pivotal change in labor relations. The decertification was a culmination of the events that unfolded during and after the strike, which led to diminished union power and influence in the workplace.

Following the decertification, many air traffic controllers faced difficulties in finding employment, as their legal standing and union protections had been severely weakened. The aftermath of this decision reverberated across various sectors, as it illustrated the risks unions faced when they engaged in strikes against government mandates. It also prompted other unions to reassess their strategies and approaches in labor negotiations moving forward.