Kenan Thompson saying: of course, we remember

BREAKING NEWS

» The CDC doesn't have a director. Can it respond to public health threats? |NPR Morning Edition

» Casey Means' surgeon general nomination is stalled | PBS News

» The US could lose measles elimination status. Vaccine policy is fueling the chaos. | The Hill

» New COVID-19 variant dubbed 'cidada' for its long incubation period in patients. Here's what to know. | MSN

» CDC plans hiring push to fill gaps from last year’s widespread layoffs | Federal News Network

» We’re putting RIF week events front and center. Hope you can make it to some or all:

flyer with april 1 rif commemoration events

Welcome to the 55th 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.

New Fired But Fighting merch — *Fresh new Fired But Fighting merch*

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

LEGAL UPDATES

» It has been one year to the day that 10,000 HHS feds woke up or arrived at work to the news that they had been fired in an ill-conceived reduction in force. This week's legal update is a bit different from the usual format. We look back at the unmitigated disaster that was the HHS RIF, to celebrate our wins, grieve our losses, and find strength to keep up the fight - and our hope.

Read the full legal update here.

CALLS TO ACTION

» March 31 was the 2026 Transgender Day of Visibility. Read more and find resources to support the trans community here.

» Comment needed: OPM wants agencies to prioritize employees’ performance over tenure during RIFs. In combination with other recent efforts to change federal processes, this proposed rule could contribute to the arbitrary firings of more federal staff. Read more and comment by May 4.

» The 2026 EIS (Epidemic Intelligence Service) Conference will take place virtually from April 21 - 24, 2026. Free and open to the public. Register here.

» 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.

» Attend a conversation with headhunter, Kathy Bremer, a former CDC communications consultant. She's placed people at CARE, the Carter Center, CDC Foundation, and other nonprofits. Open to all former and current federal employees. Register for the April 2nd 12 pm EST session.

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

EVENTS

**Pet Therapy**

**» April 1:** L2883 and Happy Tails Pet Therapy are bringing you nine adorable therapy dogs. This event will be held at The Hatchery, located at Emory Point across from Roybal campus. Stop by any time from 12 pm to 2 pm. Current and former CDC employees are both welcome to attend. As this is a non-CDC event, current CDC employees are strongly encouraged to use their lunch break or take leave.

**RIF Resilience Power Hour**

**» April 1**: 5:00-8:00 pm: RIF Resilience Power Hour at Sceptre Brewing Arts with bingo, open mic, camaraderie, and more.

UNION CORNER

»Thank you for supporting our TSA colleagues! We raised nearly $2,000 in donations to support our L554 Atlanta TSA colleagues. L2883 matched with a $1,000 donation to enable us to purchase 120 $25 gift cards. Our L2883 president Yolanda will deliver these to the L554 president to distribute to their members. We are grateful to each and every one of you for supporting our AFGE community.

» The election for L2883 officers has begun. L2883 members should have received a nomination form via snail mail to their registered mailing address. If you didn’t, log into your and AFGE.org account and make sure that your address is updated. Ballots will be mailed out in April. Now is your chance to make your voice heard.

» 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’re not already a member, sign up 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

» Beltline Scavenger Hunt - Saturday, April 11 at 2 pm: Calling all disease detectives: Join CDC Mutual Aid on Saturday, April 11 at 2 pm for a Beltline Scavenger Hunt featuring team challenges, photo clues, and public health trivia. We will meet at New Realm Brewery, where participants will receive instructions leading their team on a 2-mile loop to Lingering Shade and back. Keep your eyes peeled and your cameras ready to spot Beltline art and pathogenic surprises! Reserve your spot today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beltline-scavenger-tickets-1985773596282.

» Check out our store: Remember that every purchase directly supports our mission and helps us continue making a difference. https://cdc-mutual-aid-network.printful.me

» Follow CDC Mutual Aid Network on Social Media:

WEEKLY 27 UNIHTED

» Every Saturday: Vigil commemorating the lives and knowledge lost through NIH cuts.

dc area rif pop up anniversary events — » **DC Area RIF Pop Up Anniversary Schedule**

27uNIHted and WellFed are hosting several events in the DC area for the anniversary of the April 1 RIFs. More information at 27 uNIHted’s website or Instagram page.

» **Fed Workers Coffee Hour**

Every Thursday of each month through October 2026. Download the flyer.

» Please follow and share 27 uNIHted’s Instagram account.

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 top story from last week:

» Acting CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya Explains RFK Jr’s Comment that CDC was a Den of Corruption was for a Different CDC - In his first All-Hands as acting Director, Jay Bhattacharya clarified that when Secretary Kennedy claimed that the CDC is the “most corrupt federal agency in the world,” he was actually talking about a “really bad, um, but different, um…CDC…that is in um…Canada. Along with my girlfriend who you, um, guys never get to meet but is so totally real,” claims Dr. Bhattacharya.

» 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’s Spoon goes to our RIF’d colleagues on the one year anniversary of the April Fools Day RIF. To those who were separated, left or resigned, remain on administrative leave, or were reinstated: your work is valuable, the communities you serve are valuable, and so are you.

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