FIRED
BUT FIGHTING

A coalition of fired CDC employees and allies.

In 2025, thousands of CDC employees were abruptly terminated and RIF’d under the guise of performance management and workforce reduction. Fired But Fighting is a network of former CDC professionals—scientists, communicators, policy analysts, public health experts—who are standing together to demand transparency, accountability, and justice. We are speaking out not just for ourselves, but for the future of public service and the protection of public health.

Breaking News and Announcements

  • 🇺🇸 We Are Patriots: From June 4 to July 4, Fired But Fighting is our Federal Workforce, and we are encouraging people to fight back against the Trump Administration’s assault on our systems of government. Click here to learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved.

  • U.S. District Judge Susan Illston barred agencies from mass layoffs and demanded that fired federal workers be returned to the status they had prior to February 11. Read AFGE’s update. 

  • CDC is currently updating probationary SF-50s to reflect that the reason for separation is the Executive Order and NOT performance.

  • AFGE National, along with other unions and Democracy Forward, filed a lawsuit on 4/28/2025 against the Administration to challenge the RIF. You can view the full complaint here. 

  • Fundraiser extended: Visit the apparel store to help raise money for supplies and services. Do you have your own Snuggles for Science Teddy Bear yet?

Ways to Get Involved

Sign up for the Fired But Fighting newsletter and download past issues.

Join us in person at upcoming rallies and (un) happy hours.

Support the cause! Help us pay for posters, markers, web hosting fees, etc.

Fired But Fighting in the Media