PATCO walked off the job.
The State Dep't is engaging in a different, but deliberate effort -- ignoring and obstructing -- to circumvent the policy of the President and the US Government. Both were/are contrary to the public good. They shouldn't be treated any differently, especially in a time of war.
You are still not seeing the difference. There is a specific law making it illegal for public employees to engage in a strike.
There is not a specific law making it illegal not to carry out your boss's policies.
There's a big difference there. Breaking a specific law means no arbitration - no union interference - no nuthin'. Firing someone who is not doing what you want them to do on the job is a whole different ballgame.
I wish it were otherwise - but we live in the real world, not the world I'd like it to be.