Welcome to the 25th 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.

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On September 3, 2025, Fired But Fighting, CDC Alumni and Friends, Save Health Research, 27 UNIHTED, and many public health experts jointly released an official call for Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s resignation. Here’s how to stand with us:

1) Sign the Stand Up for Science petition demanding impeachment.

2) Sign the change.org petition demanding resignation.

3) Call your congressional representatives using 5 Calls.

BREAKING NEWS

» Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the CDC and Me | Wall Street Journal

» Opinion | Debra Houry on the CDC: RFK Jr. needs to answer these questions | The Washington Post

» We Ran the C.D.C.: Kennedy Is Endangering Every American’s Health | New York Times

» Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is definitely coming for your vaccines | Science-based Medicine

» CDC Chops Foodborne Illness Surveillance | Medscape

» SPICY Merch Drop: Fired up after Kennedy’s nonsense Senate hearing? HELP US GET TO THE HILL and take these motherf*ckers on in person. Support our trip through special edition FRFKJ gear and more>>

SHOP SPECIALS

LEGAL UPDATES

» This week's legal update contains important information on filing MSPB appeals for recently separated federal employees, including upcoming workshops and resources on filing an e-appeal. You can also stay updated on the status of Congressional appropriations and federal lawsuits challenging the firings and the elimination of federal employee collective bargaining rights.

READ THE LEGAL UPDATE

CALLS TO ACTION

» Take care of yourself by taking care of others. On September 15 at 6:00 PM ET, join Compassionate Atlanta and The Sandwich Project to help assemble sandwiches for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Sign up and find more information here.

» Support the FEMA workers Katrina Declaration. Read and sign their statement of solidarity here.

» Take action to support the CDC Injury Center. The Keep America Safe Coalition has a list of actions to help support this effort.

» CDC Alumni encourage everyone to contact their representatives and senators or influential members of Congress, e.g., Senator Cassidy, to disavow the vilification of federal employees and the spread of public health misinformation.

» Protect PSLF for public servants. Submit your comment opposing employer eligibility restrictions on the new federal register notice. The comment period ends September 17 at 11:59 pm ET. Find more information about this proposed rule in this article.

» Sign the change.org petition developed by the FBF Team, which makes four key requests to Congress and HHS Leadership.

» 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

Support Rallies

CDC support rallies are back. Every Tuesday from 8:00 am until 9:30 am.

Solidarity Vigil

» TONIGHT, September 5, 2025: CDC Solidarity Vigil from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Four weeks after the tragic CDC shootings, we invite EIS alumni, public health leaders, and friends of the CDC to come together in solidarity and support for our frontline CDC champions. RSVP>>

FUN Unhappy Hour

» September 9, 2025: FUN Unhappy Hour from 5:00 to 7:00 pm ET at Wild Leap Atlanta Brewery. Join other federal workers and friends to chat, commiserate, and share stories. Hosted by the Georgia Chapter of the Federal Unionists Network (FUN). More information here>> (this is not an official FBF event).

L2883 Town Hall

» September 10, 2025: L2883 Virtual Town Hall at 6:00 pm ET. Open to members and non-members. Bookmark this Zoom link.

MSPB Appeal Party

Multiple Dates: Sep 5 - 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. Check the FBF events page for details and to register.

Virtual Support Group

September 11, 2025: Multi-Agency Virtual Peer Support Group at 4:00 pm. Topics: Bravery, Loss, and Resilience. Sign up>>

CDC support rallies are back. Every Tuesday from 8:00 am until 9:30 am.

» TONIGHT, September 5, 2025: CDC Solidarity Vigil from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Four weeks after the tragic CDC shootings, we invite EIS alumni, public health leaders, and friends of the CDC to come together in solidarity and support for our frontline CDC champions. RSVP>>

» September 9, 2025: FUN Unhappy Hour from 5:00 to 7:00 pm ET at Wild Leap Atlanta Brewery. Join other federal workers and friends to chat, commiserate, and share stories. Hosted by the Georgia Chapter of the Federal Unionists Network (FUN). More information here>> (this is not an official FBF event).

» September 10, 2025: L2883 Virtual Town Hall at 6:00 pm ET. Open to members and non-members. Bookmark this Zoom link.

Multiple Dates: Sep 5 - 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. Check the FBF events page for details and to register.

September 11, 2025: Multi-Agency Virtual Peer Support Group at 4:00 pm. Topics: Bravery, Loss, and Resiliance. Sign up>>

CAREER RESOURCES

There are lots of career-related events happening in the coming week, including events from our partners at wellfed, Pathways Forward, AARP, and others. New resources include tailored 1:1 resume support, courses from the Public Service Leadership Institute, and more.

CAREER CORNER

WEEKLY 27 uNIHted

» **Donated Co-Working Space in DC:** The organization, Former Gov, is offering free coworking space at the Eaton House every Tuesday. Register to use the space.
» Please **follow and share** 27 uNIHted’s new Instagram account>>
» **Every Saturday:** Vigil commemorating the lives and knowledge lost through NIH cuts. Black attire encouraged. 10 am at the Medical Center Metro.

UNION CORNER

» AFGE Local 2883 Virtual Town Hall on Sept 10, 6 PM ET: Save the date and tell your friends! AFGE Local 2883 will be hosting a virtual town hall on Wednesday, September 10, at 6:00 pm. This will be open to members and non-members. We will send more details about the agenda soon: Join Zoom Meeting, Meeting ID: 818 3618 1614

» Your dues continue to support the major legal challenges to fight unjust terminations, harmful reorgs, union busting, and any further destabilizing, illegal actions. We continue to support all our members, whether it is individual representation, access to information and collective actions, and so much more.

» 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.

» Log in to your member benefits account here. An overview of some of the benefits can be found in the Member Benefits Guide.

Join now via secure E-Dues

JOIN AFGE L2883

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.cdc resourceportal.org/resources.
» Follow us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/cdc-mutual-aid-network

SPOON OF THE WEEK

To submit a spoon (e.g., spooning pets, spoon tattoos, your favorite spoon) for a future newsletter, email info@firedbutfighting.org.

SELF CARE

» Download your September Happiness Calendar | Greater Good Science Center

» Check out the best fall festivals and fairs coming up in metro Atlanta.

» Is It Healthy to Distract Yourself From Stress? New research reveals that stepping away from a problem can be a powerful coping tool—if you do it right. | Greater Good Science Center.

» Each Monday, join wellfed for the weekly Monday Meditation from 1 to 1:30 pm. Hosted weekly by Drew Tye Ruby-Howe (former fed). Find details and the link to join either on wellfed’s website.

» Reclaim Counseling & Workshops is offering a 12-week support group for CDC staff who identify as women. The cost is $50/session, and spots are available on a sliding scale based on need. See the flyer for more information.

» Free EMDR Therapy for Emory, CDC, and Community Survivors of the August 8 community trauma. Individual and group sessions will take place between 10:30am and 5:30pm ET on Saturday, September 6. More information here.

» 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: