Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (AFSCME)

PATCO2 logo

Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (AFSCME)

Abbreviation	PATCO
Formation	1968
Type	Trade union
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.
Location	United States
Official language	English
Parent organization	American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees

The Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (AFSCME) (PATCO) is a trade union in the United States that represents air traffic controllers. It is affiliated with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), which is one of the largest labor unions in the country.

History

PATCO was originally founded in 1968 as an independent union to represent the interests of air traffic controllers. The union played a significant role in advocating for better working conditions, pay, and benefits for its members. In 1981, PATCO members went on strike, which led to a significant confrontation with the Reagan administration. The strike was declared illegal, and President Reagan fired over 11,000 striking air traffic controllers, which had a lasting impact on the labor movement in the United States.

After the 1981 strike, the original PATCO was decertified, and its members were banned from federal service. However, a new organization with the same name was later formed and affiliated with AFSCME to continue representing air traffic controllers.

Objectives

The primary objectives of PATCO include:

• Advocating for the safety and efficiency of the air traffic control system.
• Ensuring fair wages, benefits, and working conditions for air traffic controllers.
• Providing professional development and training opportunities for its members.
• Representing the interests of air traffic controllers in negotiations with employers and government agencies.

Structure

PATCO operates under the larger umbrella of AFSCME, which provides additional resources and support for its activities. The union is governed by elected officials who represent the interests of its members. Local chapters of PATCO work at various airports and air traffic control facilities across the United States.

Related Pages

• Air traffic control
• American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
• Labor union
• Ronald Reagan
• 1981 air traffic controllers strike

See Also

• National Air Traffic Controllers Association
• Federal Aviation Administration
• Labor history of the United States