Issue 12

Jun 5

Welcome to the 12th issue of Fired But Fighting, a newsletter for illegally terminated and improperly RIF’d CDC employees. Read on for judicial and advocacy updates, links to media coverage, calls to action, tips, and resources. Visit www.firedbutfighting.org/newsletter to download previous issues.

To download a PDF of this newsletter, click here.

BREAKING NEWS

» UPDATE for Probationary Employees: CDC OHR is currently updating probationary SF-50s to reflect that the reason for separation is the Executive Order and NOT performance.

» 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.

» Snuggles for Science: The newest Fired But Fighting fundraising item, a snuggly 6” teddy bear with a “CDC Saves Lives” shirt is on sale alongside the FBF’s classic tees. Funds raised help us pay for the supplies and services we need to continue to fight back! Shop the fundraiser.

JUDICIAL UPDATES

» A coalition of law firms is pursuing class action appeals to MSPB on behalf of probationary employees who received final terminations dated around May 8, 2025. If you were a probationary employee terminated last month, you can join the MPSB class appeal if it is certified. No action is needed to join the class. If class certification is denied, you will have 30 days from the decision to continue filing an individual appeal. For more information, view JamHoff’s June 5 update.

» The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denied the administration’s application for an emergency stay of the preliminary injunction of the RIFs. In response, the administration submitted a request for an emergency stay to the Supreme Court. AFGE's response is due by June 9 at noon ET. Federal workers will remain on administrative leave until a higher court overturns the injunction.

» Senior District Judge Susan Illston (CA) held an emergency briefing on June 4. In this briefing, the judge gave the U.S. government a deadline of June 11 to submit evidence on why the probationary employees from Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would not be included in the preliminary injunction. The hope is that the rationale for including probationary employees in this case can be mirrored for other agencies. The next hearing is going to be next week on either June 12 or 13. We will follow up when the date is chosen.

To view this week’s full legal update, click here.

CALLS TO ACTION

» Join the call for the immediate removal of RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary. Contact your members of Congress by downloading the 5 Calls app to find contact information for both your Representative and Senators and using the available script template. More information is available here.

» Have you heard of any activities related to illegal transfer of functions (activities of RIF’d staff being taken over, for example)? If so, please fill out this form from AFGE. See the Union Corner for more details!

» Considering canceling your GRB retirement request? Contact your assigned retirement HR rep or email hrcs@cdc.gov to place your application on hold until the legal process is resolved. At this time, there is no confirmed separation date, and the outcome of the legal process could impact your options and benefits.

» Follow Fired But Fighting on Bluesky and Instagram.

Events

» Tuesday, June 10 - Join Fired But Fighting, CDC alumni, and allies for a rally outside Roybal campus starting EARLY at 2:00 pm. Wear green for solidarity! More details to come - follow FBF on our socials for updates.

» Saturday, June 14 - Fired But Fighting Presents: Take Back the Flag, an all-American party celebrating the real American patriots. Free beer, hot dogs, burgers, etc. Decatur from 3 pm to 7 pm. RSVP required. Click here to let us know you’re coming.

» Saturday, June 14 - Before you hit the FBF 'Take Back the Flag' event, attend the No Kings rally, a nationwide nonviolent day of anti-authoritarian protest and action.

» Friday-Sunday, June 20-22 - Need to take a break and have some fun with your fellow gamers & geeks? Did you know that the Southern Fried Gaming Expo is run by three of our fellow RIF’d CDC feds? Our colleagues are offering a special discount: Use code FiredButFighting at online checkout to receive 25% off pre-registration. This code is not valid at the door.

» Friday, July 3 - Do you live OTP north? Our friends at Indivisible Cobb are holding a parade celebrating “the workers behind our freedom.” View the event flyer here.

Quick Tips

» Worried about paying your bills? Your mortgage and utility companies may offer options for people experiencing financial hardships, such as job loss. You can either contact the companies directly or visit I need help paying my bills | United Way 211 to learn about your options.

» If you’re looking for ways to save money on prescriptions or are exploring state-funded health insurance, take a look at the Resources for Medications & GA Health Marketplace created by one of our Fired But Fighting volunteers.

» Pregnant in Georgia without health insurance? Medicaid covers you for the duration of your pregnancy. You are also covered up to one year postpartum, and your baby can be covered up to age 18. More information about coverage is available at Georgians for a Healthy Future and Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Georgia.

Union Corner

» If you are a separated employee, you can still be a dues-paying member of AFGE Local 2883. AFGE is actively leading legal challenges, including the AFGE, AFL-CIO v. United States Office of Personnel Management (N. California) case. Staying a dues-paying member can help you stay connected to case updates, MSPB appeals, and union support during this critical period. Regardless of your status, AFGE Local 2883 remains committed to standing with all affected employees. For questions, please email Local 2883 at probationary@afge2883ga.org.

» AFGE National Legal has requested information from staff on transfer of functions. If you are familiar with any activities related to illegal transfer of functions (activities of RIF'd staff being taken over, for example), please fill out this form. You may have previously filled out an AFGE form collecting RIF violations (thank you!) - this one is specific to transfer of function and is to support AFGE attorneys' legal process.

Career Corner

» Looking for temporary gig work to pay the bills? Here are some flexible options. Having a car is required. 1. Wonolo 2. Amazon Flex 3. Roadie Driver 4. Veho Driver

» Have you signed up for the Coursera Supporting Federal Workers in Transition program yet? Free access to Coursera courses and certificates through December 31, 2025.

» Join our Fired But Fighting LinkedIn group for former CDC employees. We are partnering with employers and public health leaders to share opportunities and job resources.