FAA's own history: about 12,300 controllers walked out on August 3, 1981. After the 48-hour deadline, FAA fired about 11,400 of them and later reinstated about 440 on appeal.
After expiration of the grace period, FAA fired approximately 11,400 controllers. Most of those fired appealed the action, and FAA eventually reinstated 440 as a result of their appeals.
FAA's own history: about 12,300 controllers walked out on August 3, 1981. After the 48-hour deadline, FAA fired about 11,400 of them and later reinstated about 440 on appeal.