Issue 26
Welcome to the 26th issue of Fired But Fighting, a newsletter for illegally terminated, improperly RIF’d, chaotically reinstated, and current HHS staff. Read on for judicial and advocacy updates, links to media coverage, calls to action, tips, and resources.
BREAKING NEWS
» Fired CDC Director Susan Monarez to testify to Senate panel | The Hill
» Turmoil, uncertainty at RFK Jr.’s CDC leaves those suffering from 9/11 illnesses fearful | Boston Herald
» There are unconfirmed reports of reasonable accommodations being canceled suddenly and without the legally required RA process. This is a violation of federal disability and employment disability law. If your RA was abruptly canceled, contact the union ASAP at ra@afge2883ga.org. Use your personal email address and do not send it during your tour of duty.
The Hill Fundraiser
NEW additions to the merch page: We’re headed to DC to make Congress listen. Support our trip through special edition F-RFKJ gear and more.
LEGAL UPDATES
» Congressional appropriations season has resumed. This week's legal update provides the current state of play on funding the federal government in both the House and the Senate, as well as links to markup recordings, committee reports, and the Appropriations Status Table that tracks all 12 funding bills. You can also sign up to attend one of the two remaining workshops on filing an MSPB appeal and read updates on federal lawsuits challenging the firings and the elimination of federal employee collective bargaining rights.
SHUTDOWN & FURLOUGH
We don’t know whether there will be a shutdown on October 1, though it seems likely. Here are a few resources as a refresher:
» Government Shutdowns Q&A: Everything You Should Know | CRFB
» OPM Furlough Guidance | OPM
» CDC Federal Credit Union, Navy Federal Credit Union, USAA, 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
» On Wednesday, September 14, at 6:30 pm ET, a fellow spoon is hosting a screening of The Last Class with Robert Reich at AMC North DeKalb Mall. Proceeds will support programs for the unhoused community at A Home for Everyone in DeKalb. RSVP here.
» Watch the 24 Hours to Save AIDS Research livestream, featuring scientists, researchers, and advocates, starting Monday, September 16 at 11:00 am ET.
» Interested in the intersection of data and equity? We All Count is bringing back their Talking Back Equity series this month. Check out the weekly details and topics on their website.
» Sign this Kudoboard to thank Drs. Daskalakis, Houry, Jernigan, and Monarez for standing up for public health.
» Sign the Change.org petition developed by the FBF Team, which makes four key requests to Congress and HHS Leadership | Protect Public Health Employees from Continued Threats, Harassment, and Targeting
» Share Your Story. We’re looking for #FedWorkerFriday contributors for Bluesky and Instagram. Public or anonymous. DM Aryn on Signal (@aryn.22) if you’re interested.
» Volunteer with Fired But Fighting: Looking for ways to channel your rage? Sign up to volunteer.
EVENTS
Next week, the support rally will be on MONDAY, SEP 15 to support our colleagues returning to the Roybal campus. Keep up with plans at the rally and event alert page.
September 13 and 15: Fired But Fighting and 27 uNIHted are hosting three virtual MSPB appeal parties for federal employees. These workshops provide a supportive space to work on your MSPB appeals with guidance from experienced attendees who will share resources and tips for successful submissions. Register here.
» Saturday, September 27: AIDS Walk Atlanta in Piedmont Park from 9 am- 2 pm ET for the fundraiser walk, followed by the music festival. Use code FIFTY by September 12 to get 50% off registration.
CAREER RESOURCES
This week, there are many career-related events happening again, including events from our partners at Wellfed, Pathways Forward, and others. These include an in-person retreat with Wellfed, “Navigating Your Next Move,” a virtual session on pitching to investors, networking opportunities, and more. Resources include courses from the Public Service Leadership Institute.
Read the Career Corner for details and to register for upcoming events
WEEKLY 27 uNIHted
Weekly Vigil
» 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 uNIHted’s new Instagram account>>
UNION CORNER
» Current badge holders are set to return to the office on September 15. CDC, however, has acknowledged that many of us may not be emotionally or physically ready to return. These employees are encouraged to file for a Reasonable Accommodation (RA).
» RAs are specifically meant to help when an employee has a physical or psychological health condition that makes it difficult to perform work without an accommodation. All employees have the right to request an RA.
» There are unconfirmed reports of reasonable accommodations being canceled suddenly and without the legally required RA process. This is a violation of federal disability and employment disability law. If your RA was abruptly canceled, the union ASAP at ra@afge2883ga.org. Use your personal email address and do not send it during your tour of duty.
» We have compiled some resources to help you understand your rights!
» Contact us with specific questions or support!
» All CDC staff, including those on admin leave, those separated, retirees, any job series, and any BUS codes (including supervisors), can join AFGE Local 2883 as dues-paying members. The only exception is the commissioned corps.
Join now via secure E-Dues
CDC MUTUAL AID
Stand with CDC Mutual Aid as we work to support our public health workforce:
» 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
» This week’s spoon is the talented baker who dedicated their most recent dessert to our **wonderful** HHS secretary.
» To submit a spoon (e.g., spooning pets, spoon tattoos, your favorite spoon) for a future newsletter, email info@firedbutfighting.org.
FORK OF THE WEEK
» NEW feature of the dumbest shit of the week: Louisiana senator John Kennedy suggested that eating "radioactive" shrimp recalled by the FDA will cause those who eat it to turn into… aliens? Of course, food advisories are an important concern. But instead of fear-mongering, perhaps the senator should thank our FDA, EPA, and ATSDR colleagues for their ongoing investigation and information on Cs-137, the radioactive isotope in question. To date, no products that have tested positive for Cs-137 have entered the U.S. marketplace. Instead, a single shipment of shrimp, with levels of Cs-137 well below hazardous levels for humans, was detained before entering U.S. commerce.
SELF CARE
» How about some Happiness Podcasts from the Greater Good Science Center to listen to on your self-care walks?
» Starting Friday, September 12, at 12:00 pm ET, East Atlanta Counseling is hosting a free 6-week support group for those affected by the recent violence directed at public health workers. Register and find more information here.
» Calling all crafters: join fellow craft enthusiasts at East Fork Atlanta for their Atlanta Community Craft Night on Wednesday, September 17 at 6:00 pm ET.
» The Public Service Alliance has launched a first-ever marketplace for public servants, offering access to security and digital privacy services, among others. Check out their LinkedIn for more information.
» The DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office has compiled a list of resources for those impacted by the CDC/Emory Point shooting. More information here.
» Take one of these free or low-cost yoga classes to destress and recenter:
M3 Yoga Studio: Saturday, September 13 - Free Yoga and Pilates Fall Open House
Yoga with Amanda: FREE at the Decatur library on 9/24, 7:00 pm. Download the flyer.
Free restorative yoga class at The Intown Retreat every Monday at 7:30 pm. Use code RESTORECDC at checkout.
» What has helped you through these times? Please send more self-care ideas to info@firedbutfighting.org.
FBF In the News
» September 11, 2025: Fired CDC worker seeks to rebuild trust in public health at conference in Normal | WGLT (NPR)
» September 9, 2025: “Mentally Flogged” Life Inside the CDC Under RFK Jr. | Paging America (podcast episode)
