Today marks the one-year anniversary of the Fired But Fighting newsletter. Before we get to your regularly scheduled programming, we want to mark this moment.

A little over a year ago, the Valentine’s Day Massacre resulted in the illegal termination of hundreds of probationary employees, just because they were new or recently promoted. Six weeks later, the same fate would befall thousands of staff throughout the federal government, resulting in a devastating loss of expertise: a loss that will echo through decades to come. At CDC, programs and grants were halted or canceled, leaving staff either unemployed or unable to do their jobs. Today, 25% of CDC’s staff is gone.

In the wake of all this loss, Fired But Fighting emerged. Smart, mission-driven people don’t stay down for long. It began as this newsletter - as a way to inform and support our fellow fired CDC staff. With the help of many volunteers, the newsletter grew into a movement, eventually evolving into the National Public Health Coalition, a leading advocate for public health.

The grit, tenacity, and resilience of current, fired, and retired public servants have kept us going over the last year. We’ve seen that the moral compass of CDC staff can be unshakeable. We all chose this field to improve lives, both in the U.S. and globally, and despite the challenges, we remain committed to our oath.

To everyone who has read, shared, donated, or volunteered, thank you. This work belongs to all of us. And while the last year has tested the public health workforce in ways few could have imagined, it has also made one thing very clear: We’re not giving up.

Sincerely,

The FBF newsletter’s founders, Abby, Evan, and Sarah, along with all the volunteers who have helped sustain it

BREAKING NEWS

» In honor of the one-year anniversary of this newsletter, you can get 10% off FBF merch with the code WTAF

» Who would've thought? Turns out illegal terminations, slashing public health programs, and spreading misinformation doesn't help build public trust: RFK Jr. losing battle to boost trust in public health agencies.

» Sen. Ossoff Successfully Defeats Effort to Defund the CDC | The Citizen

» Probies get a win 💪 The MSPB judge has certified a class action lawsuit on behalf of illegally fired probationary employees. More info in the Legal Update.

» Georgia Residents: This article explains how ICE plans to put 8500 immigrants in this Georgia warehouse. We’re compiling anti-ICE resources on the FBF Resources page.

Welcome to the 52nd 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 (www.firedbutfighting.org/shop), or signing up to volunteer. You can also check out the FBF Talent Marketplace to support a fired fed.

Visit www.firedbutfighting.org/newsletter-library to read this and previous issues of the newsletter on the web.

LEGAL UPDATES

» We are thrilled to share some good news for fired HHS probies: the MSPB administrative judge has certified for the HHS probationary class action appeals, which brings the number of certified agency-wide class action appeals to five. Also, OPM's rule creating Schedule Policy/Career went into effect on March 9 but is already facing a legal challenge. If you receive notice that your position is being converted to Schedule Policy/Career, please fill out L2883’s survey, which is linked in the update. Finally, we are also trying to gauge interest in forming a working group for HHS pro se MSPB appellants to share information and work together to figure out how to file motions and manage discovery. If this is something you might be interested in, please reach out to us at legal@firedbutfighting.org. This week's legal update contains more detailed information on the status of MSPB appeals and Schedule Policy/Career position conversions, as well as updates on lawsuits challenging the RIFs.

Read the full legal update here.

CALLS TO ACTION

» Tomorrow (3/12) is the last day for public comment on next week’s ACIP meeting.

» In his role as Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russell Vought is the central architect driving the destruction of your government. Sign this petition calling for his impeachment.

» Comment needed on these proposed rules that affect HHS employees and the public health workforce. 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 the process down. You can find guidance on submitting comments on proposed regs here.

OPM proposes to transfer appeal rights for employees affected by a RIF action from the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) to OPM, removing independent review and overriding union grievance routes. Read more and comment before March 12.
OPM proposes a plan to remove a current ban on a “forced distribution” of federal employee performance evaluations. If finalized, this rule will limit how many employees can be ranked as high performers in annual reviews. Read more and comment before March 26.

» Attend a celebration of life for Dr. William Foege. The event will take place at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at 1:30 p.m. on March 14 and is open to the public. RSVP.

» Have you ever considered serving as a poll worker? Did you know that this is one “side hustle” that doesn’t require EPATS approval for feds? Work Elections Project: Learn How to Become a Poll Worker. Related: make sure you never miss another election or polling place change by registering at the nonpartisan TurboVote.

» Volunteer with Fired But Fighting: Looking for ways to channel your rage? Sign up to volunteer.

EVENTS

flyer for a bake sale benefiting the latino alliance for human rights. March 14 from 10 to 1. MINHWA Spirits in Doraville — **Ice Cakes Not People**

» March 14: Ice Cakes, Not People - A Community Bake Sale to support Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights. Find more events like this here.
(not sponsored by FBF)

WEEKLY 27 UNIHTED

**Back by Popular Demand**

Federal Workers Coffee Hour. 4th Thursday of each month through October 2026. 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.

CAREER CORNER

» Check out this week’s Career Corner for upcoming events and resources. There are many events coming up, including in-person and virtual job fairs, a Power BI Bootcamp, and a FedSupport webinar.

» Join the Opportunities for Former HHS Staff and follow Fired But Fighting on LinkedIn to stay current on career-related events.

UNION CORNER

» Please fill out our CDC RA and EEO Process Survey to update the L2883 team on the status of your RA and EEO complaints.

» If you have RA-specific questions or would like to help us support your colleagues in the disabilities community, please email us at ra@afge2883ga.org.

» If you receive notice that your position is being converted to Schedule Policy/Career, please fill out our Schedule Policy/Career survey. This will help us understand which positions are being targeted for reclassification and how many CDC employees may be affected, and may help inform future legal action.

» 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

» Success Story: From Fellowship to Finding Footing — How Mutual Aid Supported David's Journey

As an ORISE Fellow at CDC, David contributed to expanding Electronic Case Reporting (eCR) systems nationwide and helped identify rural health clinics advancing health equity. When his fellowship ended, the CDC Mutual Aid Fund helped cover essential living expenses during his job search. "It has lifted my spirits, helping to ease my financial burden as I continue to navigate the very difficult job market," he shared.

Read his full story. Your donation can offer that same support to someone in need. Donate today.

» New Merch! CDC Mutual Aid "Solidarity, Not Charity" Patch. Remember that every purchase directly supports our mission and helps us continue making a difference.

Patch - "Solidarity Not Charity. CDC Mutual Aid."

» Follow CDC Mutual Aid Network on Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdc-mutual-aid-network https://bsky.app/profile/cdcmutualaid.bsky.social

THE WEEKLY NEEDLE

» The Weekly Needle is America’s most trusted news source for all things health and medicine. Trust us, because we don’t trust ourselves. Enjoy our most recent story from this week:

» CDC & DoD Calls Airstrike on Local Employee Who Refuses Microsoft Copilot - Dan Smith, a 61-year-old Public Health Advisor at the agency who refused to utilize Microsoft Copilot after a major push by CDC leadership, had his home destroyed in an airstrike. “This will not stop me from developing nuclear weapons, or encourage me to use Microsoft Copilot,” claims Smith.

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

SPOON OF THE WEEK

» This week, we’re shouting out the Spoons who volunteered for our first day of service at the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Together with fellow volunteers, they sorted 10,675 pounds of food, **the equivalent of 8,895 meals**. These meals will be distributed by local food pantries for our neighbors in need. NPHC/FBF is planning additional days of service, so stay tuned for upcoming opportunities.

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

SELF CARE

» Why Volunteering is the Best Kind of Self-Care | The Volunteer Well

» Happiness Break: A Meditation For Connecting In Polarized Times | Greater Good Magazine

» Daily dose of cuuuuuuute. Who doesn’t love a BIG GIANT DUDE and a teeny-tiny mouse?

» Got the blues? Get you some Buddy Guy at NPR’s Tiny Desk (with guest/costar Miles Caton from ‘Sinners’).

» The Atlanta Preservation Center’s Phoenix Flies Program offers free tours and lectures celebrating Atlanta’s Historic Sites. Click here to sign up for the free events taking place between March 2 and 29.

» Yoga with Amanda offers a free class at the Decatur Library each month. Sign up for the March 28 class on the library’s website.

FIRED BUT FIGHTING IN THE NEWS

» Ben McKenzie and Sarah Boim were featured on NPR’s WABE on Monday (we swear!), but there’s no link yet. TBD.

Issue 52