In 1981 the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization Union thought Reagan would support it in its strike because Reagan had been a Democrat before He had supported the union in previous matters He was president of the union SAG He didn't like the management's policies

He made a sudden change because he believed that he has to give the employees their right to choose employees, fire them if needed and bust unions. He gave favor to the employers, opposite to his doings when he was still a Union President. This action brought low inflation rate and low employment. However, the strike was an unforgettable event for the Americans. It also led to better parking conditions for aircrafts.