Which President was responsible for the termination of nearly 12,000 air traffic controllers?

The correct answer is Ronald Reagan. He was responsible for the termination of nearly 12,000 air traffic controllers in 1981 after they engaged in an illegal strike. This event is significant in aviation labor relations as it marked a pivotal moment in labor history and government-worker relations.

Reagan's administration took a firm stance against the strike, stating that it was illegal for federal employees to strike. The action he took not only led to the dismissal of the strikers but also significantly reshaped the landscape of labor relations in the aviation sector and beyond. It sent a strong message regarding the government's position on labor disputes involving essential services.

The implications of this decision were far-reaching; it influenced labor negotiations within the aviation industry for years to come and set a precedent for how similar actions would be handled in the future. Reagan's approach exemplified a larger trend in the 1980s towards a more conservative, pro-business stance regarding labor relations, making this event a crucial study point in understanding modern aviation labor practices.