Issue 29
Efficiency, amiright?
BREAKING NEWS
» Well, it happened. As of 12:01am on Wednesday, October 1, the U.S. government is officially shut down. Read on to find out everything you need to know about a government shutdown.
» Exclusive: ex-CDC director talks about why she was fired “I would never do that, as a scientist,” Susan Monarez says of being asked to approve changes to vaccine recommendations without knowing the details. |Nature
» Even more new merch. Support our fight for public health as a critical federal service and our public health workforce
WELCOME
Welcome to the 29th 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 UPDATES
» Appropriations have lapsed, as Congress failed to come to an agreement to extend government funding ahead of the September 30 deadline. The Senate is scheduled to return Friday for another vote, and the House is back in session next Monday evening. While OMB director Russell Vought has threatened to lay off thousands of federal employees during the shutdown, AFGE has filed a lawsuit in the Northern California District Court to block the government from conducting RIFs. You can read more about this and other federal lawsuits challenging the RIFs below.
SHUTDOWN & FURLOUGH
There are a lot of unanswered questions about the ongoing government shutdown. Here are a few resources, though guidance may change due to posturing from OMB and the White House. Stay tuned for further information from AFGE.
» Government Shutdowns Q&A: Everything You Should Know | CRFB
» NARFE’s Shutdown Resources for Feds | NARFE
» How to Survive a Government Shutdown as a Federal Employee | FEBA
» OPM Furlough Guidance | OPM
» CDC Federal Credit Union, Navy Federal Credit Union, USAA, United States Senate Federal Credit Union, 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.
» Taking out a TSP loan may be an option if you need financial assistance during a shutdown. Learn more on the TSP website.
CALLS TO ACTION
» Get involved with The Federal Unionists’ Network, a collective of organizers, volunteers, and community members across multiple unions and agencies.
» Sign up for the CDC Retiree Pickleball Lunch and Learn - No experience necessary, just RSVP for the outing, which will take place on Monday, October 6 at 12pm ET at the Dekalb Tennis Center.
» Want to learn how to advocate for public health? The Health Advocacy Training and Collaboration Hub (HATCH) provides Advocacy 101 training and more for feds.
» Support the Kickstarter campaign for The Middle of Everything, a public health-focused animated TV show created by a group of current and former EIS and LLS officers.
» The Southern Alliance for Public Health needs volunteers for their Flu Vaccine Drive on Friday, October 3, at 9 am ET at the South DeKalb Senior Center. Visit SAPHL’s page to sign up for the event.
» 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
If you’ve been fired, reinstated, on admin leave, don’t know your employment status, or are worried about being RIF’d, come join fellow feds who *get it* for an hour of camaraderie in Northern Virginia. Download the flyer.
» Interagency Letter on a Continuing Resolution: Join 4000+ demanding nothing less than a fighting CR. Sign on>>
» 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
» OPM issued new guidance Sunday, September 28th instructing agencies to consider issuing RIF notices to all employees whose work is funded by regular appropriations and does not align with President Trump’s priorities.
» If you receive RIF notices or separation notices, please contact us immediately at rif@afge2883ga.org.
» For staff who are told their RAs are canceled or denied, please contact us at ra@afge2883ga.org. We can support members with filing an EEOC complaint if needed.
» You can find more information about RAs on our website.
» 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 commissioned corps officers.
The union has so much info for you this week that we can’t fit it in the newsletter.
Please click here to read the update.
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 this Shutdown playlist, curated by our fellow spoons to get through this week’s shutdown shenanigans. Listen and add your own musical selections on Spotify.
To submit a spoon (e.g., spooning pets, spoon tattoos, your favorite spoon) for a future newsletter, email info@firedbutfighting.org using “spoon of the week submission” in the subject line.
SELF CARE
» Download your Happiness Calendar for October 2025 | Greater Good Science Center
» Check out the Weekly Needle, America’s Number 1 News Source for Satire Medical Advice, on Substack.
» Gamers, Steam’s 2025 Autumn sale is running now until October 6. Check out their website for sales, with many games under $5.
» Join our wellfed partners for a weekly “Monday mental health and meditation” session. Details can be found on wellfed’s website or the FBF community calendar.
» Calling all crafters: join fellow craft enthusiasts at an upcoming community craft night: Piedmont Park Conservancy and Scraplanta are hosting a Community Art Night on Monday, October 6, at 6 pm ET» Align Wellness Atlanta is offering several resources for the community:
Trauma informed therapists with immediate openings
Wednesdays at 12pm ET starting October 1: Free virtual process group for current and former CDC staff. Contact Melanie Storrusten, LCSW at melanie@alignwellnessatl.com to register.
Weekly virtual trauma-informed yoga classes: Use code YOGACDC to register.
What has helped you through these times? Please send more self-care ideas to info@firedbutfighting.org.
FBF In the News
» October 1: Federal layoffs day or two away, budget director tells Republicans on shutdown call | The Hill
» October 1: Public Health Chaos: What It Means for America | As Yet Unnamed Dinner Club. This link goes to a registration form. When you register, you will receive the link to the recorded webinar by email.
» October 1: CDC, Carter Presidential Library, other agencies impacted by government shutdown – WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta
