Issue 5

Apr 17

Welcome to the fifth issue of Fired But Fighting, a newsletter for terminated and RIF'd CDC employees. Read on for judicial and advocacy updates, links to media coverage, calls to action, tips, and resources.

Breaking News

URGENT: We are working with the Associated Press to address the recently leaked HHS budget document from a CDC-specific lens and are urgently seeking interviewees. If you work in any of the affected centers/divisions/programs, and would like to contribute to the story, please email info@firedbutfighting.com or DM sboim_fired_but_fighting.36.

Streamlined Access to Facts: To reduce the Signal noise, Fired But Fighting has created a Signal chat, FBF Updates & Resources. Only admins can post.

Interested in media training? Let us know whether you’re interested in attending a brief media training.

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Latest Judicial Updates

There has been movement in the cases involving terminated probationary employees, and we’re revisiting the RIF-related developments shared last week. Download the update.

Free Legal Resources:

» AFGE is offering free legal support for fired feds: AFGE | Labor and Democracy Partners Announce Rise Up: Legal Defense Network for Fired Federal Workers

» Legal Defense Network is offering free legal support for fired feds: Federal Employee Assistance — Rise Up: Federal Workers Legal Defense Network

Calls to Action

» Get LOUD About the No Rogue Rulings Act—The Senate Committee on the Judiciary will consider the House’s proposed “No Rogue Rulings Act” before it moves to the floor for a vote. This act would limit a federal judge’s ability to issue nationwide injunctions, a critical tool for reining in illegal executive actions like firing probationary employees and kidnapping immigrants. Contact committee members and encourage them to vote no. Get the script, email template, and contact information.

» Contribute to the New Crowdsourced Calendar—Please add any events applicable to terminated/RIF'd CDC employees, including job fairs, happy hours, support groups, etc. Simply invite info@firedbutfighting.com to have your event added. Community Calendar — Fired But Fighting

» Share Your Story with APHA—Fired But Fighting is partnering with APHA to support their public health impact initiative. Share your story here.

» Sign Up to Volunteer—Fired But Fighting is getting big, and our team is small. Please consider donating some time to the cause! Complete the volunteer form to sign up: Volunteer — Fired But Fighting. The first orientation for volunteers is scheduled for Friday, April 18 at 2:00 pm.

» Tune in to NBC on May 1—NBC is hosting a live town hall for fired CDC employees, which will include many of our Fired But Fighting activists. We’ll share the time as soon as we know.

Events

» April 21: AFGE Local 2883 Member Appreciation—Join a members-only appreciation event at Atlantucky Brewing at 7:00 pm. Get the details here.

» April 22: CDC Support Rally—Attend the weekly rally in support of CDC and CDC workers. Get the details here.

» April 24: (Un) Happy Hour in Decatur—At 5:30, join a group of current and former feds at Three Taverns Brewery to blow off some steam. Get the details here.

Union Corner

Visit AFGE Local 2883’s new RIF Guidance webpage. This guidance applies to ALL Bargaining Unit Employees (BUEs), Local 2883 Members, and other non-member, non-BUE CDC Employees. RIF Guidance | AFGE Local 2883

In Solidarity,
AFGE Executive Board
Visit www.afge.org to learn more about us!
Join us today: https://join.afge.org/L2883

Other Resources

» OPM Fact Sheet: Severance Pay Estimation Worksheet
» The Impact Map - The Impact Project

Self-Care

Do you love pie? Do you live in Fulton or DeKalb County? Pies by Julie is offering free pie to fired feds. Contact them at piesbyjulie@gmail.com to schedule a pie pickup from their Kirkwood location.

On April 23, visit Intown Community Church for conversation and resource-sharing over dinner (provided). Hosted by Intown Community Church at 6:30 pm. Download the flyer.

Apr 24-May 29: Aspen Grove Counseling is hosting a free support group for fired CDC and other federal workers.