Issue 31
Lettuce inform you…
BREAKING NEWS
» Let’s be honest. We are f*cking exhausted, and we know you are too. On the evening of October 10, during another holiday weekend, the Trump administration, led by Russell Vought (check out the Weekly Needle Substack for our special nickname for him), initiated another round of illegal terminations across federal agencies.
BUT Judge Susan Illston has swooped in and saved the day by
» OPM has walked back nearly half the 10/10 RIFS, claiming “clerical errors.“
» Today, the Senate failed to pass a vote for the tenth time, which means we’re heading into the 3rd week of shutdown.
» The National Public Health Coalition’s website goes live next week. We are moving activities like media outreach and advocacy under NPHC, while resistance and support efforts (including this newsletter) will stay under Fired But Fighting. Watch for updates from @nationalphc.org about this exciting new chapter.
» MERCH ALERT: Throwback “Preventing the Zombie Apocalypse” gear and “Fire Russell Vought” bumper stickers.
WELCOME
Welcome to the 31st 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.
This newsletter is brought to you by a dedicated team of volunteers. Please consider supporting us by making a donation or grabbing some FBF merch.
Visit www.firedbutfighting.org/newsletter-library to 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
Congress continued its ride on the jackass carousel while Friday night's shutdown RIF ripped through HHS. While our Legislative Branch abdicates its responsibility to check and balance an Executive run amok, our legal update has you covered. Newly RIFed federal employees (along with seasoned veterans) will find resources and legal information on how to challenge their RIFs, information about the latest lawsuit that hit pause on the latest RIF, and an explanation of the current status of the MSPB now that a quorum has been restored (and options available to get justice no matter what this administration tries to pull).
SHUTDOWN & RIF RESOURCES
» If you received a RIF notice this week, please check out FBF’s RIF QuickLinks, which includes a compassionate RIF guide for HHS employees, lessons learned from fired probies, and unemployment information.
» There are many uncertainties about the ongoing government shutdown. We’ve added a shutdown section to the FBF resources page to help support you.
» Freebies in solidarity: Kaiser is waiving copays for furloughed employees. Show your government-issued ID at Enterprise to receive discounts on rental cars. Many Starbucks shops offer free coffee to furloughed feds. Show your government ID at Ark Coffeehaus in Chamblee for a 15% discount. Free (or pay-what-you-can) classes at Radiant Flow Yoga in East Point, GA. Check out these businesses supporting public servants and review this list of government shutdown deals in Washington DC.
EVENTS
» Oct. 18: After the No Kings march on October 18, head to the DeKalb Tennis Center for a CDC Pickleball Social from 3:00 to 4:30. Sign up here: Pickleball!!
» Oct. 24: The CDC Alumni group has organized a recognition event for terminated CDC employees and fellows, with a message: We see you. We recognize your contributions. We value you. Your work matters. Terminated employees, please complete this registration form.
» Oct. 25: Join AFGE L2883 for a Solidarity Saturday at Napoleon’s Grill from 2:00 to 5:00. RSVP here.
CALLS TO ACTION
No Kings
» Mobilize and sign up to attend the NO KINGS rally on October 18 - check the site for locations and times. Click to read an important message from the Federal Unionists Network (FUN) regarding No Kings.
» 🚨Brief Survey Response Requested: NPHC is collecting data on expertise lost since Jan. 20, 2025. Please complete this short survey and share widely with your colleagues (CDC ONLY).
» Early voting starts this week in Georgia for the upcoming November local elections. 11Alive has information on early voting locations and sample ballots for GA counties. The resources below provide further information on candidates:
» Were you recently separated from CDC? The CDC WISE Survey, led by Dr. Greta Massetti, former CDC-er and professor at GSU, seeks to understand the experiences of former CDC staff, contractors, and fellows. The survey takes 20-30 minutes, is anonymous and confidential, and will help inform efforts to support separated employees. Contact INSPIRElab@gsu.edu with questions.
» Attend the GA 50501 organizing workshop, Power Mapping & Community Strategies. Virtual on Oct. 21 at 6 pm and in-person on Oct. 23 at 6 pm at 711 Catherine St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310. Download the flyer.
» Join fellow CDC staff for the Out of Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk on November 2. Get more details and a t-shirt for the walk on their Bonfire page.
» Take action with Defend Public Health. Continue to contact members of Congress and encourage them to stand firm on the budget. You can also help fill Senator Wyden’s Finance Committee inbox with a clear and strong message that the public health community does NOT support RFK Jr. or his policies.
» Register for the Healthbeat live storytelling event on November 3, featuring the voices of individuals working on community health in Atlanta.
» The Washington Post is gathering stories from federal workers about their experiences. Contact fedworkers@washpost.org for more information.
»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. As of October 14, their Kickstarter campaign requires only a little over $3000 to be fully funded for the project. This is a time we need truth in science and to keep growing our future in public health. Consider supporting today.
» 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. We’re especially looking for volunteer coordinators and finance folks.
CAREER RESOURCES
» Please visit the Unemployment & Career Planning section of the FBF Resources Library. Don’t forget to join the Opportunities for Former HHS Staff Group and follow Fired But Fighting on LinkedIn too.
» October 31 - Career Mapping and Planning from 12:00 to 1:00 pm: Join Pathways Forward and FBF/NPHC for discussion about how to explore different career paths, identify your long-term goals, and create a step-by-step roadmap for growth and success. Register here.
WEEKLY 27 uNIHted
Coffee Hour
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.
» 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
» If you received a reduction-in-force notice on 10/10, please fill out this form to help us collect more information on the RIFs.
» RIF guidance is also available on our website at https://www.afge2883ga.org/rif-guidance.
» AFGE Local 2883 is holding a RIF Town Hall for ALL employees RIF'ed on 10/10 on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 2:30 pm-4:00 pm ET. To get the link to join: check email from AFGE Local 2883 sent out 10/15, look in RIF chats, or email info@afge2883ga.org
» You do not have to be a L2883 union member to join the Town Hall, but sign up now to join the fight now!
Join now via secure E-Dues
CDC MUTUAL AID
» The CDC Mutual Aid Network has helped 45 CDC staff and their families with emergency funds distributed through the CDC Mutual Aid Fund. Help us continue our mission to support CDC staff and their families who are facing financial hardship.
» Donate or share our message at www.cdcresourceportal.org/donate.
» Find resources like our new Shutdown Survival Guide at www.cdcresourceportal.org/resources.
Merch Fundraiser
» Check out our new store! The perfect place to find Halloween-themed CDC merch, Save CDC signs, and more.
THE WEEKLY NEEDLE
» The Weekly Needle is America’s newest and most trusted news source for satire medical news. Started by people who care about science, health, and something approximating truth, The Weekly Needle is here to give you the stories you need to know. Here are a few of our stories and headlines from the past few weeks we at The Weekly Needle think you should read. Please consider becoming a subscriber by following the link here. Interested in contributing? Email us at theweeklyneedle@proton.me
SPOON OF THE WEEK
Laid-off CDC scientist says public health at risk: "People will absolutely die" - CBS News
» 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
» Are We Getting Self-Care Wrong? This article by Greater Good magazine discusses the benefits of some common self-care strategies.
» Check out this list of free and cheap things to do for Spooky Fun in Atlanta.
» Get Fit, Feel Great, for FREE. The Atlanta Beltline offers a variety of free fitness classes for Atlanta residents.
» Technologists for the Public Good is partnering with Empower Work to offer free, confidential counseling sessions. Check out their website for details.
» Highland Yoga is offering 2 free weeks of unlimited yoga for new members who are CDC employees. Use promo code CDCWELCOME to sign up.
FBF IN THE NEWS
» October 15: About 600 CDC workers are expected to be permanently fired after latest round of cuts | Georgia Recorder
» October 15: Former CDC official laid off and rehired 3 times by Trump admin speaks out about whiplash | MSNBC
» October 15: CDC sent RIF notices, then pulled some back. The result is chaos, advocates and workers say | FedScoop
» October 15: CDC cuts put injury tracking and prevention in limbo | Axios
» October 14: With new cuts at CDC, some fear there's 'nobody to answer the phone' | NPR
» October 14: A Quarter of the CDC Is Gone | WIRED
» October 14: CDC Cuts Threaten Public Health Nationwide, Fired Employees Say | Scientific American
» October 14: Georgia Today: CDC layoffs; Government shutdown affects Georgia Tech; Georgia hospitals using AI | Georgia Public Broadcasting
» October 14: Hundreds of CDC workers see their layoffs reversed, but concerns over their jobs during the shutdown remain | CBS
» October 14: Want to call CDC to report a possible disease outbreak? Fuhgeddaboutit | MedPage Today
» October 14: Head of Small Business Administration says it has stopped guaranteeing loans as shutdown continues | WSB-TV
» October 14: CDC Cuts Threaten Public Health Nationwide, Fired Employees Say | Scientific American
» October 14: CDC workers ask Congress, where is 'radical transparency' now? | Roll Call
» October 14: CDC Layoffs Reversed, Raising Questions About Agency’s Direction | World News Today
» October 13: Shutdown continues in Washington, Senate vote on reopening federal government expected Tuesday | WSB-TV
» October 13: You’re Fired. Just Kidding! | The Atlantic
» October 13: Firings of hundreds of CDC employees reportedly reversed | The Guardian
» October 13: Trump administration races to reverse some CDC firings over the weekend | AJC
» October 11: The damage is beyond repair’: The CDC is facing another round of deep staff cuts | CNN
» October 11: CDC 'lays off more than 1,000 staff members working on measles, Ebola and disease forecasting' | The Mirror
» October 10: Nov. 5 rally in D.C. to showcase strength of public health workforce | APHA
