Issue 19

Jul 24

Welcome to the 19th 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.

BREAKING NEWS

» Introducing CDC Saves Lives Lanyards: You asked and we answered. Green lanyards are now available. Outside print: “CDC Saves Lives.” Inside print: “Resist and Persist.” In addition to helping us fight the good fight, 10% of funds raised go to CDC Mutual Aid.

» Union-Busting Efforts Thwarted (Again): In another blow to the Trump administration's attempts to strip federal workers of union protections, a Texas judge dismissed a case to nullify AFGE’s collective bargaining agreements for Defense Department workers.

» NIH Bethesda Declaration Signers Get Sit-Down with NIH Director Jayanta Bhattacharya: Congratulations to our NIH colleagues. It’s working! Let’s. Keep. Fighting. 💪💪💪 Rallying for Science: NIH Staff and Alumni Unite Behind Bethesda Declaration

JUDICIAL UPDATES

» If you are an HHS employee who was separated on July 14, you have until August 13 to file an MSPB appeal. You can read more about your options to appeal, as well as updates on ongoing federal court cases and Congressional appropriations, in this week's legal update.

Read the full legal update here.

CALLS TO ACTION

» Support CDC NCIPC! Due to OMB withholding of FY2025 funds, the injury center has been unable to fund its grantees to continue critical injury prevention work fully. Take action and voice your opinion to Georgia senators.

» Effective immediately, HHS has excluded non-citizens who are not qualified aliens from additional HHS-funded programs. Programs no longer available include Head Start and some mental health and substance use services, among many others. This change means that more FQHCs and other federally funded grantees will no longer be able to serve undocumented immigrants. Read more about how this change will impact communities and leave a comment on the federal register notice before the comment period ends on August 13.

» Stop Bad Bills! Call or write to your elected representatives about the proposed rescissions and budget. Remember, anyone can use these scripts, and the volume matters - so please share widely!

» 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!

» Share Your Story! We’re looking for stories from fired feds to feature on the Fired But Fighting social media channels as part of our Fed Worker Friday series. You can share your story publicly or anonymously. Search #FedWorkerFriday on Instagram or Bluesky to see previous features. If you’re interested, DM Aryn on Signal - @aryn.22.

EVENTS

» July 30, 2025, 6-7 pm ET - Navigating Reductions in Force: Updated guidance for federal employees. FedSupport is partnering with Civil Service Strong and Rise Up: Federal Workers Legal Defense Fund to provide information about the recent SCOTUS ruling, share practical information for federal employees about navigating a RIF, and highlight available resources. See details and register here.

» July 30, 2025, 8-9 pm ET – Zero Clearance: Fired But Fighting Virtual Game Night. Games include Who’s Who: Trump Administration Edition, RIFLibs, Stories from Inside HHS: True or False, and RIF Bingo. Open to all current and former HHS staff. ⌛ Click to RSVP and get the link to join.

» Saturday, July 26, 2025, 2-5 pm – AFGE L2883 is hosting a Solidarity Saturday event from 2 – 5 at Chattahoochee Food Works. Open to current, former, and hopeful members. RSVP here: current, former, and hopeful union members. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP.

» Sunday, August 3, 2025, 2-5 pm – (Un) Happy Hour at Round Trip Brewing in Atlanta. Attendees will receive a green “CDC Saves Lives” badge lanyard. Details here.

QUICK TIPS

» When you receive your separation package, it will include some useful information worth reviewing carefully. We’re giving you a heads-up here so you can start planning now. Quick Reference and Resource Guides for Separating Employees and Severance Pay FAQ.

SELF CARE

» Fam, it has been quite the year. Are you all outta…recipes? If you enjoy a bit of NSFW language with your links to meal options (even vegetarian!), then explore the classic What the [bleep] Should I make for Dinner?

» Are you feeling demoralized or demotivated? Check out this substack for a slew of good self-care tips: When Trump Attacks Your Work: 75 Grounding Moves to Stay Effective and Human | Progressive Strategy Now

» Saturday, July 26 @ 10 am: Stretch, don’t stress! Join a free yoga session with Amanda at the Decatur Library. If you can’t make it to this session, another one will take place on August 30. Register here.

» Monday, July 28, 2025 - Join WellFed for the weekly Monday Meditation from 1-1:30 pm. Hosted weekly by Drew Tye Ruby-Howe (former fed). Find details on WellFed’s website.

What has helped you in these times? Please send more self-care ideas to info@firedbutfighting.org.

UNION CORNER

» Petitioning Progress Update: FLRA confirmed that dues-paying members have met the threshold to trigger a formal union representation petition, negating the need for separate signature cards. This huge milestone is thanks to hundreds stepping up. If you’re in a job series seeking to join the bargaining unit, join our open organizing meetings every other Tuesday at 8:00 pm ET (next one: July 29). Sign up here to get the link, or email us at petitions@afge2883ga.org if you want to help in other ways.

» AFGE Member Benefits in Action: Welcome to our new weekly spotlight on what your dues deliver. This week’s story:

“I used our union discount to shop around for car insurance and homeowners' insurance. It ended up saving me about 15% on my car insurance, and when it bundled with my homeowners’ insurance, I saved another 10%. Plus, I’m saving $10/month just with the AT&T discount.” — John H., AFGE 2883 Member

Explore the extensive list of discounts and programs in the AFGE Member Benefits Guide.

CDC MUTUAL AID

» CMA needs your help to promote the new fundraising page! We’re working hard to meet our $75,000 goal by the end of August, and we need all the help we can get. Check out the CMA fundraising social media toolkit for easy ways to share this with your networks.

» Access resources for CDC FTEs, fellows, and contractors or apply for financial assistance at cdcresourceportal.org.

CAREER CORNER

» Are you confused about how, or even whether, to use AI in your job search? FedSupport recently hosted a helpful webinar worth watching. Webinar Replay: How Can I Ethically Use AI in a Successful Job Search?

» Helpful article on networking and rebranding strategies tailored for midcareer federal employees in transition. Executive recruiters share best practices for federal employees navigating midcareer transitions.

» FedSupport’s Career Pivot Bootcamp is an online, on-demand bootcamp created to support federal employees in transition

» Maryland has pulled together many resources to support impacted federal workers. If you live in Maryland, check out their website! Maryland.gov

» Take advantage of targeted resume banks. Civic Match is one such platform. It is a nonpartisan program connecting mission-driven professionals with meaningful roles in state and local governments across the country.

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

WEEKLY 27 uNIHted

» Monday’s post-meeting rally was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Bethesda Declaration signers and the integrity of NIH.

» 27 uNIHted is hosting a virtual job search meetup. Join to share network, discuss successes and challenges, and share tips and tricks.

» Things are tough. Join current and former NIH staff for a 27 uNIHted support call and help lift each other up.

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