Issue 59
BREAKING NEWS
» Where there’s smoke, there’s a political appointee? Former tobacco executive joins CDC senior leadership, raising concerns over industry influence | STAT News
» In case you missed it: Vaccines, budget cuts and affordability: Takeaways from RFK Jr.’s gauntlet of congressional hearings | AP News
» The headline. Delaying Newborn Hepatitis B Shot Likely to Cause Deaths, ‘Substantial’ Increase in Infections: Study | People
» The study. Economic Impact of Delaying the Infant Hepatitis B Vaccination Schedule | JAMA
» Kiss the ring 🙄 Federal job applicants can’t skip ‘loyalty question’ that OPM says is optional, court filings claim | Federal News Network
Welcome to the 59th 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.
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
» The class action appeal for HHS probationary employees continues to move forward: the MSPB judge denied the agency’s motion to certify an interlocutory appeal of class certification (essentially another stall tactic). Fired HHS probationary employees should receive an email this week with more information. Meanwhile, nearly all HHS RIF appellants have been grouped into a consolidation with others from their OPDIV, with many blocs now moving toward consolidated discovery. Importantly, the agency can also request information from appellants. In RIFs across government, agency counsel have made discovery requests of appellants, so you should be prepared to respond if you are pro se. Make sure you also monitor the news for public statements from the HHS Secretary and other administration officials that contradict the official reason given for the RIF, as Congressional testimony and news stories can be used as evidence in an MSPB appeal.
In the New York v. Kennedy case, which still protects six HHS units from any further RIFs or reorganization, the government has agreed to produce the administrative record relevant to the case by June 8, and the parties will file a joint status report by June 22. This week's legal update provides more information on this and other lawsuits challenging RIFs across government, lawsuits and appeals relevant to fired probies, the president's budget proposal, and applying for federal jobs through RPL or CTAP.
Read the full legal update here.
CALLS TO ACTION
» Last week for comments: 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.
» 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
May Day in the ATL
» You can also sign up for a webinar and other events in solidarity with global May Day Actions. Register here.
» Volunteer with Fired But Fighting: Looking for ways to channel your rage? Sign up to volunteer.
EVENTS
» 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 be mailed out to all members via snail mail this week. 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 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
🏓Smash for a Cause: Pickleball Social Benefit 🏓
» Join CDC Mutual Aid on Saturday, May 16 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at ITP Training Academy (3110 Presidential Drive, Atlanta) for a morning of pickleball, community, and fun — all benefiting CDC Mutual Aid. Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned player, there's a spot on the court for you. Beginners will get hands-on coaching from CDC alumnae and event sponsor Denise Koo (paddles available to borrow), while intermediate and advanced players can jump straight into competitive play on ITP's world-class courts.
Attendance is free, and we encourage a suggested donation of $40 to support CDC Mutual Aid. The giving doesn't stop there, 15% of all food and drink proceeds from ITP's kitchen and bar will go directly to the cause. Rain or shine, we've got you covered with nearby indoor facilities.
Spots are capped at 44, so don't wait. Register here and make your donation today.
» 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:
» Local Village Prepares Silver Bullets, Vaccines to Ward Off Nightly RFK Jr Attacks - Local villagers in the Transylvanian town of Mihai Viteazu have reported an increase in nightly RFK Jr attacks on livestock and people, and are preparing to ward off the US Health and Human Services Secretary by utilizing traditional means to fight off the alleged “night beast” known as Secretary Kennedy.
» 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 the “Bring Your Child to Work Day” wranglers of CDC Chamblee. Over 40 CDC groups and nearly 100 volunteers organized an eventful day including rock painting, liquid nitrogen ice cream, and an escape room, among other activities. Over 400 children of all ages attended, many of whom said it was the “best day ever.” Thank you to these dedicated volunteers for bringing a day of joy to CDC.
» To submit a spoon for a future newsletter, email info@firedbutfighting.org.
CAREER CORNER
» This week, we are featuring AID Coaching, a global, volunteer-led coaching collective created by former U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-affiliated coaches. Established in March 2025, AID Coaching is a network of more than 60 International Coaching Federation-trained and/or accredited coaches located worldwide. Since March 2025, they have provided hundreds of hours of pro bono values-based coaching, community and clarity to over 500 professionals navigating career disruption. Sign up for career coaching and learn more on their website, www.aidcoaching.com.
» Join the Opportunities for Former HHS Staff and follow Fired But Fighting on LinkedIn to stay current on career-related events.
SELF CARE
» Love classic trucks? C10s in the City is a free GM truck show taking place in Summerhill ATL on May 2 from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Learn more at www.c10sinthecity.com.
» For the con lovers, Momocon is coming to Atlanta May 21-24 at the Georgia World Congress Center. Check out the creators of Middle of Everything, an animated series teaching public health concepts to middle schoolers. Their session takes place Saturday, May 23 at 5:30pm.
» A bird loving enthusiast at CDC’s Chamblee campus has set up a camera documenting the Chamblee Hawks (aka the Hawkins) journey as they expand their family.
» Your Happiness Calendar for May 2026 (link will activate on May 1, 2026) | Greater Good Magazine
FIRED BUT FIGHTING IN THE NEWS
» April 23: AOC vs RFK Jr. Memes; Are Doctors OK? Communicating With Gen Z Patients | Medpage Today
» April 22: A year after DOGE, former federal employees are still looking for work | NBC News
