Is the Machinists' Union a Threat to U.S. National Security?

Can a union become a threat to national security?

Quite possibly, if it engages in a strike during a time of crisis.

Well, on June 9th, hundreds of members of Local 898 of the International Association of Machinists (IAM) went on strike against their employers--private contractors at Vance Air Force Base.

This labor dispute, according to UPI, has caused the Air Force to suspend flight operations at the base.

While America is currently not under attack (that we know of), imagine if an incident like 9/11 were to occur and the Air Force could not scramble the jets to intercept hijacked aircraft.

What then?