Issue 27
BREAKING NEWS
Drs. Monarez and Houry kicked ass at the 9/17 hearing.
That is all.
» ACIP Vote 1: The committee voted to change its recommendation on the combined MMRV vaccine, saying "the combined MMRV vaccine is not recommended" before age 4, but children in that age group can receive separate doses of the MMR and varicella vaccines.
» In an on-brand move, CDC has uncancelled the cancellation of reasonable accommodation (RA) arrangements.
» We have heard reports of some employees receiving word that their positions will be converted to Schedule F. If this has happened to you, reach out to Rickettsia.21 on Signal to be connected with others in the same position.
» CDC temporarily revokes remote work approvals for employees with disabilities | Stat News
» Ousted CDC director testifies she was fired for resisting pressure from RFK Jr. | NPR
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WELCOME
Welcome to the 27th 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.
Visit www.firedbutfighting.org/newsletter-library to read previous issues of the newsletter on the web.
*This newsletter may be clipped by Gmail. Click “View in Browser” above or “View Entire Message” at the bottom for the full document.
LEGAL UPDATE
» This week's legal update focuses on the status of all of the cases related to the firing of HHS probationary employees. It contains an overview of Judge Alsup's final ruling in the AFGE v. OPM case in the Northern California District Court, a status update on the MSPB class action appeal filed by Gilbert, and links to commentary from James & Hoffman and Southworth PC.
On the east coast, the First Circuit Court of Appeals denied the emergency motion from HHS to stay the injunction against its reorganization. This means that, while the appeal is litigated, ASPE’s Division of Data and Technical Analysis, FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, the Office of Head Start, and six CDC units are protected from any further RIFs or reorganization. You can read updates on this and other federal lawsuits challenging the RIFs and the elimination of collective bargaining rights below.
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
GA Tech Student Magazine
Schedule some time to meet with the editor of Georgia Tech’s student magazine. Cosette is seeking former CDC employees to share their experience for an article she’s working on. Email cosettebeeler@gmail.com.
» Sign up for the Inaugural Meeting of the As-Yet-Unnamed Dinner Club, an offshoot of the Vaccine Dinner Club. The initial meeting on October 1 at 6:30 pm ET features Drs. Daskalakis, Houry, and Jernigan.
» 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.
» 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.
WEEKLY 27 uNIHted
» Sep. 23: Federal workforce job fair in Woodbridge, VA. Hosted by VA-07 Congressman Vindam. Download flyer.
» 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
» Following widespread concern from CDC employees and AFGE Local 2883 advocacy, the Office of Human Resources has paused implementation of the policy canceling telework reasonable accommodations (RAs), pending further guidance from HHS. This means no immediate changes to current or temporary RAs. Employees previously told their RAs were canceled should confirm with supervisors that accommodations remain in place. The union will continue to push for transparency and legal compliance, reminding all that federal disability law supersedes internal directives. Supervisors are legally obligated not to enforce unlawful orders.
» If any urgent issues come up, please email ra@afge2883ga.org.
» 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
To date, the CDC Mutual Aid Network has been able to deliver more than $27,000 to help terminated CDC staff! We need your help to continue our efforts.
» 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 Dr. Deb Houry for her honest (and quotable) testimony in defense of CDC this week at the SENATE HELP committee hearing. In case you missed it, the hearing can be rewatched on the HELP committee’s website.
To submit a spoon (e.g., spooning pets, spoon tattoos, your favorite spoon) for a future newsletter, email info@firedbutfighting.orgusing “spoon of the week submission” in the subject line.
SELF CARE
» Piedmont Park Conservancy and Scraplanta are hosting a Community Art Night on Monday, October 6, at 6 pm ET
» Yoga with Amanda: FREE at the Decatur library on 9/24, 7:00 pm. Download the flyer.
» Dancing Dogs Yoga is offering one week of unlimited yoga for current and RIFd CDC employees. Complete the sign up form by September 30 to claim your classes.
» Visit the latest Greater Good Science Center Magazine for timely articles, videos, and even free online classes (audit at EdX)
» What has helped you through these times? Please send more self-care ideas to info@firedbutfighting.org.
FBF In the News
» September 15: The HHS Officials Being Paid Six Figures to Do Nothing | The Atlantic
» 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)
