Issue 33
…because something’s gotta give.
BREAKING NEWS
» NPHC/FBF RELEASES RIF DATA: The data team has been working around the clock to update the CDC Data Project with a new RIF dashboard. The dashboard examines the impact of the RIFs on the public health workforce, highlighting the loss of critical knowledge and expertise. Explore the dashboard and share the press release widely.
» NEWLY LAUNCHED: Furloughed or Fired Talent Marketplace: FBF has launched a searchable side-hustle-style marketplace to help connect furloughed or fired feds with folks who want to support federal workers. Available services include things like dog-walking, tutoring, graphic design, meal prep, and more. 🎁 Getting ready for the holidays? Search the marketplace for things like jewelry, handmade pottery, and gift wrapping. Want to be included in the marketplace? Sign up here. NOTE: This is an external resource available to the general public.
» Congress is no closer to reaching an agreement as we head into Week 5 of the government shutdown. But are Republicans beginning to crack?
» ACIP Staff Fired; Medical Freedom's Base Camp; Humiliating the CDC | Medpage Today
» HHS Employees Now Being Measured By Loyalty To Trump's Policies | Huffington Post
WELCOME
Welcome to the 33rd 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. If you’re in a position to do so, 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
On October 28, Judge Susan Illston granted AFGE's request for a preliminary injunction that bars HHS from issuing any new RIFs or moving forward with the RIF initiated on October 10. If you are a former BUE or a dues-paying member of AFGE or NTEU, you are protected by this court order. The First Circuit also agreed to drop HHS’s appeal of the injunction issued by Judge DuBose in the NY v. Kennedy case. This week's legal update includes information on these lawsuits and others impacting the April 1 RIF, as well as guidance on MSPB appeals, retirement, and outside employment.
SHUTDOWN & RIF RESOURCES
» There are many uncertainties about the ongoing government shutdown. We’ve added a shutdown section to the FBF resources page to help support you.
» Are you in Atlanta and worried about housing, groceries, or utility services? Visit the ATL Cares Resource List.
» Worried about the upcoming pause on SNAP benefits? Review this list of places to receive free food or donate to an organization providing free food in metro Atlanta.
» 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. 2$ off all drinks at any Wild Heaven taproom for furloughed feds. Taproom Coffee is offering free drinks until November 1. The Weelaunee Distro IG page has information on free food in Atlanta.
» Here are some additional furloughed feds offers:
CALLS TO ACTION
🚨 Brief Survey Response Requested (CDC ONLY): NPHC is collecting data on expertise lost since Jan. 20, 2025. Please complete this short survey and share widely with your colleagues (CDC ONLY).
» Casa Alterna is looking for volunteers to support our immigrant neighbors entering the Atlanta ICE field office. Training will be held Oct. 31 and Nov. 21 at 9:00 am ET.
» Join Compassionate Atlanta and The Sandwich Project on November 2 at 2 pm ET to assemble sandwiches for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Download the event flyer.
» Attend the Healthbeat live storytelling event on November 3, featuring the voices of people working on issues related to community health in Atlanta. Register on Eventbrite to attend.
» Sign this petition by Defend Public Health demanding that all CDC employees be reinstated as a condition of reopening the government.
» 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.
» Early voting is ongoing in Georgia for the November 4 local elections. 11Alive has information on early voting locations and sample ballots, and Atlanta Civic Circle, Civic Atlanta, and Ballotpedia have information on endorsements, candidates, and ballot measures. Check your voter registration status and polling location at the GA Secretary of State’s MyVoter 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.
» Don’t forget to 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.
EVENTS
Don’t forget to keep an eye on FBF’s events page for updates between newsletters.
» Nov. 3 at 6:30 pm ET: Join the next meeting, of the unnamed dinner club, titled “Science Under Siege: What You Can Do About It”
CAREER CORNER
» Join the Opportunities for Former HHS Staff Group and follow Fired But Fighting on LinkedIn for more. We’ve also collected Unemployment & Career Planning Resources on our site.
» Tracy Hoexter is offering a complimentary Express Headshot for any recently laid-off federal employee.
» Nov. 5 to 6 - This 2-day interactive workshop, organized by Pathways Forward, is designed for federal professionals transitioning to the private sector. Learn how to transform your resume from a list of duties into a powerful marketing document that highlights your impact, results, and readiness for industry.
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, 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
» On October 28, 2025, Judge Illston granted the preliminary injunction in AFGE vs OMB, pausing the 10/10 RIFs and prohibiting any new layoff notices for federal workers. In the meantime, RIF’ed staff will stay on admin leave, receiving full pay (once the shutdown ends), benefits, and leave. L2883 will continue to bring updates to you as they happen.
» AFGE Local 2883 will hold another RIF Town Hall focusing on retirements and benefits questions for all RIF’ed CDC staff on 11/6 at 12 pm. The link was sent to all members and shared in RIF chats. You can also email info@afge2883ga.org for the link.
» RIF guidance is also available on our website at https://www.afge2883ga.org/rif-guidance.
» If you’re not already a member, sign up here to join the fight now!
CDC MUTUAL AID
» Join us in celebrating a remarkable milestone — $68,000 in aid provided to 54 families through the CDC Mutual Aid Fund! Help us show support for our CDC colleagues who have lost their income and are facing financial difficulties.
» Donate or share our message at www.cdcresourceportal.org/donate.
» Find resources like our new Shutdown Survival Guide at www.cdcresourceportal.org/resources.
THE WEEKLY NEEDLE
» The Weekly Needle is America’s most trusted news source for satirical 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 that 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
» “Mikassa Ackerman” is this week’s spoon. You can thank her for her leadership in providing each week’s FBF Legal Update.
» 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.
FIRED & THRIVING
» The Data Greenhouse team began their careers as CDC public health data professionals united by a shared mission: ending HIV and Tuberculosis as global health threats under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). After volunteering to provide data upskilling courses for colleagues after the April 1 RIFs, and in response to changing public health priorities, the group launched the Data Greenhouse. Under this initiative, the Data Greenhouse continues the vital work of building data capacity and creating nurturing spaces to share their collective expertise with the next generation of changemakers. Visit their website to learn more about their offerings, which include training, project-based upskilling, a free community learning forum, and more.
» To submit a Fired and Thriving story for a future newsletter, email info@firedbutfighting.org using “thriving” in the subject line.
SELF CARE
» New Birth Missionary Baptist Church offers drive-through food distribution on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, and there are no requirements to receive assistance.
» Highland Yoga is offering several free yoga and sound bath classes for government employees.
The next session is on November 8 from 3 pm to 4 pm. Download the flyer here.
FBF IN THE NEWS
» October 25: The CDC Diaspora Fights Back| PopularResistance.Org
» October 24: CDC workers missing paychecks amid government shutdown: ‘People are feeling helpless’ | WSB Channel 2
Want to receive these in your inbox?
Sign up here.
Fired But Fighting
A Coalition of Fired HHS Staff and Allies
www.firedbutfighting.org
LinkedIn
Instagram
Bluesky
