Issue 6

Apr 24

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

To download a PDF of the newsletter, click here.

BREAKING NEWS

» AFGE National will file a lawsuit challenging the RIFs in the upcoming days. L2883 is drafting a declaration for our Local to be explicitly included in the lawsuit. More information is forthcoming.

» On Monday, representatives from Fired But Fighting and other CDC personnel attended a roundtable with Senator Warnock’s staff. The FBF advocacy and data teams will work with Warnock’s office to provide critical data for use in his role on the Senate Finance Committee. Additionally, we are coordinating with his dedicated case worker to get important resources to our community.

JUDICIAL UPDATES

At a Glance:

» Judge Alsup has issued a preliminary injunction requiring agencies to send written notices to fired probationary workers indicating they were not fired for performance reasons.

» OPM published a rule to implement Schedule Policy/Career (Schedule F), and strip civil servants of protections granted under Biden.

» The Supreme Court has once again permitted the removal of MSPB member, Cathy Harris.

Read this week’s full Fired But Fighting legal update.

UNION CORNER

Guidance for probationary employees

» You are on admin leave until further notice (updates expected mid-May).

» If you received a RIF notice, submit an acknowledgment and grievance, even if the deadline has passed.

Guidance for all terminated employees

» If you sent your grievance to CDC, you need to resubmit it to HHS.

» The 'Authorization for Release' form is not required for placement on the RPL.

Read all the latest updates from AFGE Local 2883.

CALLS TO ACTION

» Contribute to the Community Calendar. Fired But Fighting has a new crowdsourced calendar. To have your event added, send a calendar invite to info@firedbutfighting.org.

» Order Fired But Fighting Apparel. Proceeds go to fund the supplies and services needed to keep FBF running: https://firedbutfighting.org/shop.

» “No” on NRRA. Keep calling the Senate Committee on the Judiciary and telling them to vote against the dangerous No Rogue Rulings Act before it moves to the floor for a vote. A script, email template, and contact information are available here.

» Watch NBC’s CDC Town Hall. One week from today, tune into NBC’s town hall for fired CDC employees, including several Fired But Fighting activists.

» Join the FBF Announcements Chat. Fired But Fighting has a streamlined Signal chat, FBF Updates & Resources. Only admins can post.

» Volunteer with FBF. We’re still recruiting volunteers! Consider signing up to help the Fired But Fighting team.

EVENTS

» Apr 26: Rally with AFGE, NFFE, and other partners to support veterans and unions. 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the VA Hospital on Clairmont Road in Atlanta.

» Apr 27: Join your colleagues for another Atlanta-area (Un) Happy Hour on Sunday from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Three Taverns Brewery. 121 New Street in Decatur.

QUICK TIP

If you have less than three years of service at separation, your 1% contribution will be returned to the government. However, the 4% contribution is still yours to keep. You can check your status by reviewing the “vested percent” column in your account’s Contribution Balances page.

SELF CARE

» From now until May 29, Aspen Grove Counseling is hosting a support group for fired feds every Thursday evening. Visit the FBF Community Calendar for info.

» Conte Bikes in Toco Hills is offering fired feds 25% off an annual bike tune-up. If you're interested, email Colby at c.bryan@contebikes.com.

OTHER

» Are you pissed off and considering running for office? You’re not alone. Consider reaching out to Run for Something and Emerge, both of which provide training and resources for new prospective candidates.

» Need a headshot? Michele Noma is offering free sessions at Rhea Lana’s in Northlake Mall on 4/28, 4/29, and 5/2. Complete this form to register.