BREAKING NEWS

» After all that talk about “waste”... Trump’s federal workforce changes cost the economy more than $165.6B, analysis finds | Government Executive

» Schedule A means just a bigger target, apparently. A hiring rule meant to help people with disabilities get federal jobs instead left them more vulnerable to DOGE mass firings | Government Executive

» Under the direction of the “Senior Official Carrying out the Delegable Duties of the CDC Director”: CDC delays publishing report showing covid vaccine benefits | Washington Post

» 👀 Top CDC director pick Erica Schwartz tests White House political balancing act | Washington Post

» New Rules May Allow Broader Picks for CDC Vaccine Panel | MPR

» Ya think?! Atlanta doctors warn CDC panel changes are 'dangerous' | Fox 5 Atlanta

Welcome to the 57th 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

» Another chapter in the saga of our long-suffering probationary employees' fight against their firings has begun. The DHS probationary employee class saw its class appeal dismissed by the administrative judge, who argued that the MSPB did not have jurisdiction to hear the appeal. The class has appealed this decision directly to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, bypassing the board of the MSPB. This week's legal update covers this development in detail, includes updates on lawsuits challenging the government-wide RIFs, and summarizes the current status of HHS RIF appeals in the MSPB. We have also added brief analyses to each of the federal lawsuits monitored in the update, explaining why it matters to the RIF'd still fighting their firings and the broader federal workforce.

Read the full legal update here.

CALLS TO ACTION

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

» May Day Strike: Participate in the May Day Strike on May 1. BUT if you’re a federal worker, use leave because it is illegal to strike. More details: May Day Strong: No Work, No School, No Shopping | Indivisible

» 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.

» Get ready to vote with some resources we’ve compiled:

Everything You Need to Vote - Vote.org: Make sure you’re registered, see what’s on your ballot, find your polling place, etc.
Make sure you never miss another election or polling pace change by registering at the nonpartisan TurboVote.
Sign up to be a poll observer and help ACLU Georgia and partners protect voters against intimidation and violation of their rights.
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.

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

EVENTS

**(Un)Happy Hour**

» **Thursday** **Apr 23, 5:00 pm to 8:00:**
(Un) Happy Hour 5-8pm at Wild Heaven in Avondale Estates

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

UNION CORNER

» The election for L2883 officers is underway. Ballots will arrive via snail mail to all members soon. Now is your chance to make your voice heard.

» Our L2883 website has a fresh new look! We’ve cleaned up the website and added a new members-only section where you can access information just for L2883 members. All the important guidance and information you’ve come to rely on are also still there, including the Request for Representation form. Check it out and create your account today.

» If you have RA-specific questions or would like to help us support your colleagues in the disability community, please 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 Reached $250,000 In Donations: Thank You for Making It Possible.

» We are thrilled to announce that the CDC Mutual Aid Network has reached a remarkable milestone: $250,000 raised to support CDC community members in need. This would not have been possible without the generosity, dedication, and compassion of our incredible partners, donors, and volunteers. Thank you for standing with us. We are honored to have you by our side as we continue this work.

» 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.

» **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. Enjoy our most recent story:

» OMB Director Russ Vought Demonstrates “Positive” Impact of USAID Cuts by Consuming Souls of 500,000 Children from Global South. Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought testified Wednesday in front of the House of Representatives to demonstrate the “positive” impact that cutting USAID had on the American people by consuming the souls of 500,000 children from the Global South.

» 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 Stacie. As NPHC prepares for APHA 2026, Stacie has played an integral role by creating and submitting multiple abstracts and a learning institute proposal on behalf of NPHC.

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

FIRED AND THRIVING

» After being terminated from her position working on health equity at CDC, Ana started a TikTok account to share her experience. Recently, she launched Civically Fit, a platform for community members to work together to make change. Check out her one-year journey here.