Patriot wearing sunglasses, an American flag, and holding a phone saying "Hello? We're Back Department? I'd Like to File a Claim"

Welcome back, NIOSH!

BREAKING NEWS

» Welcome back, NIOSH. Many CDC employees received an email stating “Rescission of Previous Notice of Reduction in Force.” Andrew G. Nixon, an HHS spokesperson, confirmed those rumors to Inside Medicine, saying that employees at NIOSH had been reinstated.

» Now for the bad news…the Trump administration has cancelled nearly 2 billion dollars in grants providing mental health and substance use services.

» OPM has issued a proposed rule, “Streamlining Probationary and Trial Period Appeals.” The purpose of the rule is to give OPM, rather than the MSPB, the authority to decide challenges by probationary employees to terminations, in the latest Trump administration move to limit job protections of those employees. THIS DOES NOT JEOPARDIZE THE MSPB CLASS ACTION APPEAL FOR PROBIES FIRED IN FEBRUARY. For more information on how to submit a public comment, please refer to the “Calls to Action” section below.

» LIMITED TIME: Snuggles for Science, Valentine’s Edition. The adorable teddy “❤️ You’re Statistically Significant to Me” is available until January 17.

» Also New: Work-ready polo tees available in both the NPHC and FBF stores.

Welcome to the 44th 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.

Please consider supporting us by making a donation, grabbing some FBF merch, or signing up to volunteer . We’re especially looking for a volunteer coordinator and newsletter writer/editors.

various Fired But Fighting merchandise, including new products including a special Valentine’s Snuggle Bear

LEGAL UPDATES

» We are so back. The FBF legal team, in partnership with AFGE L2883, has hit the ground running. This week's legal update tracks Congressional appropriations, the ongoing RA fight, and the status of federal lawsuits challenging the shutdown RIF, the April Fool's RIFs, and the probationary employee firings. We share all of the legal and policy TA that our scrappy group of Signal-certified (but not actually licensed) attorneys can provide after the baptism by fire that was the first year of this horror of an administration.

Read the full legal update here.

CALLS TO ACTION

» OPM's proposed rule targeting probationary employees is open for comment until the end of January. The regulations that formerly governed probie MSPB appeal rights (5 CFR 315, Subpart H) have been repealed by EO number whatever-the-f*ck, "Strengthening Probationary Periods in the Federal Service." The purpose of the proposed rule is to give OPM, rather than the MSPB, the authority to decide challenges by probationary employees to terminations. Please consider submitting a comment. You can raise substantive issues, ask questions for consideration, or even request an extension of the comment period. They will have to respond and that will slow this thing down. You can find guidance on submitting comments on proposed regs here.

» If you’re looking to give back on this upcoming MLK Jr. Day, sign up to volunteer with Zaban Paradies Center, organized by a fellow spoon, or with one of the many opportunities available through Hands on Atlanta.

» Demand your representatives take action to stop RFK Jr’s attacks on childhood vaccination. Contact information and talking points are available at 5 Calls.

» Post-holiday needs? The FBF Talent Marketplace has lots of listings from people with talents like photography, baking, jewelry design, and more. Please consider supporting a fired fed.

» Volunteer with Fired But Fighting: Looking for ways to channel your rage? Sign up to volunteer. We’re especially looking for a volunteer coordinator and newsletter writer/editors.

EVENTS

» Don’t forget to keep an eye on FBF’s events page for updates between newsletters.

» January 18: (Un) Happy Hour and free improv show hosted by Dad’s Garage at 6:00 pm. Grab your ticket today. Pop Up Special Event - CDC Fired But Fighting Event

CAREER CORNER

» A great resource for job postings (including ASTHO, NACCHO, PHAB, and CSTE) for colleagues looking to stay in public health and resources on skill-building are available here: https://www.apha.org/professional-development/public-health-careermart/public-health-jobs

» Another resource for public health-related jobs is Civic Match, a nonpartisan program connecting mission-driven professionals with meaningful roles in state and local governments across the country. https://www.workforamerica.org/job-seekers

» For more resources, please visit the Unemployment & Career Planning section in FBF Resources or the FBF Community Calendar for upcoming career-related events.

WEEKLY 27 uNIHted

» 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 January 7, 2026, a Reasonable Accommodations Town Hall for non-supervisors was held to provide legal guidance on the EEO complaint process, including applicable timelines and documentation requirements. Access the full notes and guidance here.

» If you would like support with requesting EEO counseling or would like to help us support your colleagues in the disabilities community to file EEO complaints, email us at ra@afge2883ga.org.

» If you’re not already a member, sign up here to join the fight now! As a reminder, all job series (including supervisors) are eligible to join! The only exception is commissioned corps officers. https://join.afge.org/L2883

CDC MUTUAL AID

» We're SO close! Just 11 donations away from reaching 1,000 donations! Help us hit this incredible milestone. The person who makes donation #1,000 via Zeffy will receive a special gift from Mutual Aid Network as a thank you! Remember: no donation is too small. Every single contribution makes a real difference and brings us closer to our goal. Visit www.cdcresourceportal.org/donate to donate.

» Check out our resource library for CDC workers at www.cdcresourceportal.org/resources

» Support the CDC Mutual Aid Assistance Fund AND find cool merch at cdc-mutual-aid-network.printful.me

THE WEEKLY NEEDLE

» The Weekly Needle is America’s most trusted news source for satirical medical news. Enjoy our top story from last week:

“We Will End the War on Protein”; RFK Jr, HHS is “Reviewing Strong Options” for “Liberating” Local Vegan Restaurant. - Declaring on X that “Sometimes, to end a war, you gotta start a few,” HHS Secretary RFK Jr is considering potential strikes to decapitate a local vegan restaurant after negative reviews regarding the hummus; “HHS is locked and loaded - our animal-based protein will overcome this stupid cow food” proclaimed RFK Jr on Truth Social.

» Please consider becoming a subscriber by following the link here. Interested in contributing? Email us at theweeklyneedle@proton.me.

SPOON OF THE WEEK

» Our colleagues at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health are the Spoon(s) of the Week. After multiple rounds of RIFs and rescissions (not to mention “voluntary” resignations, retirements, and contract non-renewals), the remaining NIOSH staff on administrative leave have officially been reinstated. We applaud you for never giving up the fight.

» To submit a spoon for a future newsletter, email info@firedbutfighting.org.