Issue 17

Jul 11

Welcome to the 17th issue of Fired But Fighting, a newsletter for illegally terminated, improperly RIF’d, and chaotically reinstated HHS employees. 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 this and previous issues of the newsletter on the web.

BREAKING NEWS

» The National Public Health Coalition is born! The Fired But Fighting team has incorporated under the name National Public Health Coalition. We are currently in the process of filing for nonprofit status. Keep an eye out for emails from @nationalphc.org and news about this exciting new chapter.

» Trump extends hiring freeze for three more months - President Trump on Monday extended his administration’s hiring freeze of all federal civilian positions for another three months, leaving in place the moratorium into the start of fiscal 2026 (October 15, 2025).

» Judge says she’s not done with RIF case just yet - The federal judge who temporarily blocked the Trump administration from implementing mass layoffs before the Supreme Court intervened has suggested she still plans to litigate the legality of individual agency workforce reduction plans.

JUDICIAL UPDATES

» The Supreme Court lifted the nationwide injunction in AFGE v. Trump, allowing RIFs and agency reorganizations to proceed, but New York v. Kennedy still blocks further action at CDC, FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, Head Start, and ASPE. The Court emphasized that it was not ruling on the legality of the reorg plans themselves, which remain under review in the Ninth Circuit. Meanwhile, a district judge ordered HHS to disclose details about 40 halted RIFs and clarify how it's complying with the Rhode Island injunction by July 15.

Read the full legal update here.

CALLS TO ACTION

» OPM and the Trump administration are trying to increase their ability to fire federal employees for “suitability.” Leave a comment on the federal register notice here. The comment period ends JULY 18 at 11:59 pm ET. Find more information about this proposed rule in this article by Federal News Network.

» Want to join the movement but don’t know where to start? Take a look at this menu of options for ways that you can contribute, whether front and center or behind the scenes.

» Volunteer with Fired But Fighting. Looking to stay sharp and productive while job hunting? Sign up to volunteer. We especially need volunteers to assist with fundraising and financial operations..

» The CDC Mutual Aid Network has set a goal of raising $75,000 by the end of August to support our colleagues facing urgent financial hardship. Just over $5,500 has been raised to date. You can help. Share the campaign with your networks or make a tax-deductible donation today. Access CMA's sample post and outreach language.

EVENTS

» July 15, 2025 - Join a Public Health Advocacy Training from SAPHL (Southern Alliance of Public Health Leadership). Register here.

» Thursday, July 24 - Attend the Career Expo for Current and Former Feds. This virtual career expo is open to any current or former federal employee who wants to continue a career in public service in state and local government.

SELF CARE

» 5 Ways to Manage Your Emotions During the Job Hunt | INALJ

» Monday, July 14, 2025 - Join WellFed for Monday Meditation from 1-1:30 pm. Start your week feeling centered with a meditation hosted weekly by Drew Tye Ruby-Howe (former fed). Find details on FBF’s community calendar or WellFed’s website.

For more resources, please visit the CDC Mutual Aid Network.

UNION CORNER

» Request for Info From May 8th Separated Probationary Employees

AFGE Local 2883 is preparing to escalate the ongoing issues, including missing documentation, unpaid severance, and the premature termination of medical insurance coverage. Please fill out your information in this form.
Deadline: 7/13/2025, so we can send it off first thing Monday morning.

» Are you an AFGE 2883 member? Don’t sleep on the benefits!

Explore the extensive list of discounts and programs in the AFGE Member Benefits Guide. Benefits and discounts include legal and representational support, insurance discounts, health and wellness support, wireless plan discounts, tire and car care discounts, travel and moving perks, and financial assistance.

Not a member? Learn the who, what, why, and how in the AFGE FAQs. Even if you are separated from service, you are still able to be a member, which gives you access to legal support and financially helpful member-only benefits. Also, dues power wins like blocking the RIF as well as all of the ongoing legal fights. Join: join.afge.org/L2883

CAREER CORNER

» Looking to upskill? The Partnership for Public Service has a catalogue of leadership development courses available for federal employees.

» Who’s hiring in the nonprofit domain? Idealist has an updated list of nonprofit organizations looking to fill many types of positions. You can also create a profile to receive matches by email.

» The Coaching Collaborative is offering free coaching to former federal employees, contractors, and other partners who have been impacted by recent federal transitions.

» The Fired But Fighting LinkedIn group is THE place to stay up to date on the latest public health jobs! Check it out regularly for new postings.

WEEKLY uNIHted

We’re excited to welcome NIH to Fired But Fighting! uNIHted is a coalition of NIH alums and community allies that supports and empowers NIH workers and advocates for the NIH mission.

» If you’re in DC, you can join uNIHted for a vigil each Saturday at 10 am at the Medical Center Metro. Black attire is encouraged.

» Please FOLLOW and SHARE uNIHted’s new Instagram account>>

» TOMORROW: uNIHted is hosting a virtual job seeker meetup from 1:00 to 2:00 ET. Sign up here>>

FIRED AND THRIVING

From Public Service to Pound Cake Perfection

After nearly 14 years dedicated to the CDC serving in various roles within the GS 1700 (Health Educator) series, Michelle Houston's journey took an unexpected turn with the April 1st RIF. However, this career pause presented a new opportunity. Michelle initially found solace in baking as an outlet for grief in 2017, with plans to launch her bakery after retirement. Now she decided to accelerate her business timeline, leading to the creation of Mimi's Buy the Pound. This new venture specializes in delivering traditional southern pound cake flavors while expanding to include vegan offerings, as well as developing unique flavors with an international twist. While still seeking future full-time employment in the training arena, Michelle is demonstrating that an unexpected change in career path can open doors to exciting new passions.

Michelle says, "Life handed me a lemon. I chose to make Lemon Pound Cake with it!"

Find Mimi's Buy the Pound on Facebook and Instagram while her website is still baking!