Air traffic controllers' strikeIn summer 1981 PATCO, the union of federal air traffic controllers went on strike, violating a federal law prohibiting government unions from striking.[101] Declaring the situation an emergency as described in the 1947 Taft Hartley Act, Reagan stated that if the air traffic controllers "do not report for work within 48 hours, they have forfeited their jobs and will be terminated."[102] They did not return and on August 5, Reagan fired 11,345 striking air traffic controllers who had ignored his order, and used supervisors and military controllers to handle the nation's commercial air traffic until new controllers could be hired and trained.[103]As one historian concluded, "The firing of PATCO employees not only demonstrated a clear resolve by the president to take control of the bureaucracy, but it also sent a clear message to the private sector that unions no longer needed to be feared."[104]
Most got a two hour notice to pack and return to catch a plane to destinations unknown.
A few got a 24 hour notice to leave.
Most didn't return to the USAF, and were hired by the FAA the day their contract with the USAF expired.
They just came to work the next day in civilian clothes for the FAA.