Issue 28
Current vibes.
BREAKING NEWS
» Following widespread concern from CDC employees and AFGE Local 2883, OHR paused the cancellation of RAs. More in the Union Corner. If you get a request for medical records, DO NOT RESPOND AND CONTACT THE UNION at ra@afge2883ga.org.
» White House and HHS Falsely Claim Tylenol Causes Autism. Bill Cassidy rebukes Donald Trump's warning against Tylenol during pregnancy - but is it too little too late? Itâs time for Cassidy to call for Kennedyâs resignation.
» In an on-brand move, Russell Vought is threatening to fire more feds in the event of a shutdown.
» Under Kennedyâs leadership, CDC is unsurprisingly removing more critical webpages: Censorship returns to the CDC. At least 22 webpages are down
» An opinion piece we are on board with: ACIP Is Now Obsolete. Here's Where Medicine Can Look Instead
» Holy shit an MMWR (HIV PrEP recommendation) actually made it out the door, and thatâs worth celebrating! Clinical Recommendation for the Use of Injectable Lenacapavir as HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis
» Even more new merch. Support our fight for public health as a critical federal service and our public health workforce đȘ
WELCOME
Welcome to the 28th issue of Fired But Fighting, a newsletter for illegally terminated, improperly RIFâd, chaotically reinstated, and current HHS staff. Read on for judicial and advocacy updates, links to media coverage, calls to action, tips, and resources.
Visit www.firedbutfighting.org/newsletter-library to read previous issues of the newsletter on the web.
*This newsletter may be clipped by Gmail. Click âView in Browserâ above or âView Entire Messageâ at the bottom for the full document.
LEGAL UPDATES
» All eyes are on Congress as we approach the end of the fiscal year on September 30, which is when current government funding expires. Last Friday, the House passed a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government through November 21. This CR extends current funding levels for federal agencies for seven weeks and adds $58 million to boost security for the federal judiciary and executive branch officials. The bill needs 60 votes in the Senate to pass.
» The FBF legal team is now following National Nurses United v. Kennedy, which is an effort by a coalition of unions and other workplace safety advocates to challenge the dismantling of CDC NIOSH by HHS. You can read more about this and other federal lawsuits challenging the RIFs and the elimination of collective bargaining rights below.
SHUTDOWN & FURLOUGH
» There are a lot of unanswered questions about the looming government shutdown. Here are a few resources, though guidance may change due to posturing from OMB and the White House. Stay tuned for further information for AFGE.
» Government Shutdowns Q&A: Everything You Should Know | CRFB
» OPM Furlough Guidance | OPM
» CDC Federal Credit Union, Navy Federal Credit Union, USAA, United States Senate Federal Credit Union, and others offer financial assistance to their members in the event of a government shutdown or other hardship. For example, CDC FCU offers 0% on loans in the amount of your most recent paycheck. Reach out to your bank and other creditors early to find out if they have an assistance program.
CALLS TO ACTION
» If youâre still at the agency, consider adjusting sites such as LinkedIn to limit discoverability online. Here are some tips for doing so: Protecting your privacy on 9 popular social networks
» Check out the pre-launch page for the Middle of Everything, a public health-focused animated TV show created by a group of current and former EIS and LLS officers. The campaign starts on October 1 and needs your support to succeed.
» Sign up for a CDC Pickleball Social - After the No Kings march on October 18, head to the DeKalb Tennis Center for a CDC Pickleball Social from 3:00 to 4:30. Sign up here: Pickleball!!
» The Southern Alliance for Public Health needs volunteers for their Flu Vaccine Drive on Friday, October 3, at 9 am ET at the South DeKalb Senior Center. Visit SAPHLâs page to sign up for the event.
» Sign up for the Inaugural Meeting of the As-Yet-Unnamed Dinner Club, an offshoot of the Vaccine Dinner Club. The initial meeting on October 1 at 6:30 pm ET features Drs. Daskalakis, Houry, and Jernigan.
» Share Your Story. Weâre looking for #FedWorkerFriday contributors for Bluesky and Instagram. Public or anonymous. DM Aryn on Signal (@aryn.22) if youâre interested.
» Volunteer with Fired But Fighting: Looking for ways to channel your rage? Sign up to volunteer.
WEEKLY 27 uNIHted
If youâve been fired, reinstated, on admin leave, donât know your employment status, or are worried about being RIFâd, come join fellow feds who *get it* for an hour of camaraderie in Northern Virginia. Download the flyer.
» Interagency Letter on a Continuing Resolution: Join 4000+ demanding nothing less than a fighting CR. Sign on>>
» Every Saturday: Vigil commemorating the lives and knowledge lost through NIH cuts. Black attire encouraged. 10 am at the Medical Center Metro.
» Please follow and share 27 uNIHtedâs new Instagram account>>
UNION CORNER
The union has so much info for you this week that we canât fit it in the newsletter. Please click here to read the update.
Join now via secure E-Dues
CDC MUTUAL AID
To date, the CDC Mutual Aid Network has been able to deliver more than $27,000 to help terminated CDC staff! We need your help to continue our efforts.
» Donate or share our message at www.cdcresourceportal.org/donate.
» Find resources available through CDC Mutual Aid Network, including resources for survivors of gun violence at www.cdcresourceportal.org/resources.
» Follow us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/cdc-mutual-aid-network
SPOON OF THE WEEK
Public comment from Spoons member, as mentioned on MSNBC at 2:35 in this video: âIâm not sure what Iâm voting for hereâ: chaos in RFKâs vaccine advisory committee
To submit a spoon (e.g., spooning pets, spoon tattoos, your favorite spoon) for a future newsletter, email info@firedbutfighting.org using âspoon of the week submissionâ in the subject line.
FORK OF THE WEEK
Bonkers CDC vaccine meeting ends with vote to keep COVID shot access
SELF CARE
» Please enjoy this adorable video of nesting Piping Plovers in Maine.
» Oppose censorship and pick up a new book with George Takei, who is serving as this yearâs honorary chair of Banned Books Week.
» Join our wellfed partners for a weekly âMonday mental health and meditationâ session. Details can be found on wellfedâs website or the FBF community calendar.
» Calling all crafters: join fellow craft enthusiasts at an upcoming community craft night: Piedmont Park Conservancy and Scraplanta are hosting a Community Art Night on Monday, October 6, at 6 pm ET
» Yoga with Amanda: FREE at the Decatur library on 9/27, 10:00 am. Register on the DeKalb library's website.
» Dancing Dogs Yoga is offering one week of unlimited yoga for current and RIFd CDC employees. Complete the sign-up form by September 30 to claim your classes.
» Visit the latest Greater Good Science Center Magazine for timely articles, videos, and even free online classes (audit at EdX)
» What has helped you through these times? Please send more self-care ideas to info@firedbutfighting.org.
FBF In the News
» September 23: Kennedyâs staff warn that he is dismantling US public health | The Observer
» September 21: A Condemnation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.âs Reckless Endangerment of Vaccine Access and Childrenâs Lives | Healthcare Business
