Public health isn't even that important. Restaurants if there weren't public health departments: scene from the move Ratatouille

BREAKING NEWS

» The Schedule F EO is out. Read more in the legal update, below. Trump strips job protections from 8,000 federal workers | NPR

» Why do they hate children again? Trump signs order directing CDC to align with assessment calling for fewer childhood vaccines | CBS News

» Folks deploying to DRC deserve world-class care, not a makeshift hospital. Kenya court suspends US plan for Ebola quarantine facility for Americans | AP News

» FREE SPEECH - You’re doing it wrong. To stop leaks, Trump administration seeks government-wide NDAs : NPR

» Trump’s attacks on DEI are dismantling the public health infrastructure, new report finds | The Grio

» Public health infrastructure is so overrated. This year’s World Cup is testing the public health playbook | CNN

» Is this an “own goal?” Fewer than half of US states adequately prepared for health emergency ahead of World Cup: Report | The Hill

Welcome to the 64th 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), signing up to volunteer, or subscribing to the NationalPHC Substack. 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

» Schedule F (now formally called Schedule Policy/Career) has reared its ugly head again. On May 15, an email from HHS Chief Human Capital Officer Tom Nagy reportedly went out notifying staff that Schedule P/C conversions would soon be implemented. The executive order with the full list of conversions went live today. FBF and L2883 have received information that the next tranche will be among GS-14 positions. This is an excellent reminder of the importance of ensuring that your PD is accurate, which should be done annually together with your supervisor.

» In addition to more information on Schedule F, this week's legal update also features a detailed overview of the lawsuits fighting the administration's union-busting executive order and defending our right to collective bargaining, courtesy of our colleagues at L2883. Click below to learn more about this and the lawsuits challenging the HHS RIF, as well as the probationary employee class action appeal and where HHS RIF appeals stand in the MSPB.

» You can read the most recent legal update here.

CALLS TO ACTION

» ❗ Comment is needed on the OMB’s proposed rule titled “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance,” which would grant political appointees control over financial assistance, including grants, cooperative agreements, and other federal financial aid. The Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance serves as the legal framework governing all federal grants, thereby impacting everyone who might receive federal support. The public comment period for this proposal is currently open. This period is not merely symbolic; it is the formal opportunity to incorporate evidence, experience, and public concern into the official record. Once the rule is finalized, it may shape rights, protections, and freedoms in ways that may reduce health opportunities for all. Please: (1) read this Substack post to understand the rule, (2) inform others who may be affected, and (3) submit your comments here by July 13. For guidance on submitting a public comment, refer to “How to Submit a Public Comment on the OMB Rule.”

» Seven Days in June: A National Call to Elevate Health as a Governing Priority June 1-7, 2026. See EVENTS below.

» Action Network letter campaign: Write Congress to protect PEPFAR & CDC’s global health work. Share with your networks - if you’re a current federal employee, sign outside of work hours in your personal capacity.

AIDS walk Atlanta; Music Festival & 5K run; September 26th; Piedmont Park — **FBF AIDS Walk**

» Come walk with your fellow Spoons for HIV Prevention. Register for the Fired But Fighting team for AIDS Walk Atlanta on September 26, 2026, in Piedmont Park. Use code AWA26 by June 16 for 50% off registration.

» NPHC has a Substack. You’re going to love it. Subscribe here: National PHC | Substack

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

EVENTS

Healthcare cuts kill vigil; June 5; Piedmont Park — **Vigil: Healthcare Cuts Kill**

» On June 5 from 7-9pm, join a coalition of Atlanta area organizers including: US People Living with HIV Caucus, PrEP4ALL, Amplify Georgia Collaborative, SisterLove Inc, National Public Health Coalition, Indivisible Georgia Coalition, Georgia Voices United, 50501 Georgia, Atlanta Pride, Stand Up for Science, and more as we reflect, remember, and rage for all that has been lost.

Juneteenth Day of Service with Fired But Fighting — **Juneteenth Day of Service**

» Join Fired But Fighting for a Juneteenth day of service at the Atlanta History Center on **Friday June 19 from 8:30am-12:30pm**. Volunteer opportunities include greeting, wayfinding, gardening, and children’s activities.

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

» Did you know FBF has a community calendar? Check it out for career development and other events. Have an event you want listed? Send a calendar invitation to info@firedbutfighting.org.

CAREER CORNER

» Check out this week’s Career Corner for upcoming events and resources. There are lots of exciting things coming up, including virtual and in-person job fairs, a networking event for military families, and our new 🔥🔥 hot jobs 🔥🔥 section.

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

UNION CORNER

» If you’re on the Reemployment Priority List (RPL) after the CDC RIF, consider applying for open positions where you meet the job series and grade, even if it doesn’t sound like a perfect match. CDC has announced about 900 vacancies, and many are being filled using shared certificates. If you apply and make the certificate, another CDC office may be able to pull that list and select you. Applying to an RPL-open announcement does not remove you from the RPL. AFGE Local 2883 is tracking these job announcements and needs RPL candidates to complete our short survey about the application process so we can help ensure the RPL is being used properly.

» Check Your Position Description: CDC policy requires employees and supervisors to review and verify PD accuracy annually as part of performance reviews. Use your mid-year review to ensure your PD reflects your actual duties and request updates through HR, via your supervisor and management officer, if needed. Keeping your PD accurate helps protect and support your role over time. If you have questions about this process, please reach out to us at info@afge2883ga.org.

» Guidance for PMAPs: CDC has significantly reduced 2025 PMAP awards after employees have already made their selection. We have also heard that additional changes are being made to 2025 awards, although no specifics have been shared. All employees should log into the PMAS system and download copies of their PMAP appraisals (HHS Form 704B) and the current 2025 award selection form. Remember: knowledge is power, but documentation is king.

» 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

» “Your Story Is Not Over” - LaTasha’s Journey of Service, Strength, and Hope

For 25 years, LaTasha (LT) dedicated her career to public health service, rising from a contractor role to serving in leadership positions that supported emergency response operations and employees across the agency. After unexpectedly being terminated, she faced financial hardship while continuing to care for her children and grandchildren. Read the full story.

Raise some dough; help support us! 20% of sales benefit CDC Mutual Aid Fund; June 24 4:00 to 8:00 pm — **Eat for Good with CDC Mutual Aid**

» Support the CDC Mutual Aid Fund by getting a meal at the Panera Bread on North Druid Hills on June 24, 2026, during Fundraiser Night. If you buy something from Panera Bread in person on this date between 4 pm and 8 pm, a portion of the sale will be donated to the CDC Mutual Aid Fund. Online orders placed throughout the day at the North Druid Hills location will also count toward sales. All you have to do is show the flyer if you're in the store or use the online code. Thank you for your support ♥️

» Follow CDC Mutual Aid Network on social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdc-mutual-aid-network
BlueSky: 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. Enjoy our most recent story from this week:

» Local HHS Office Refuses to Acknowledge Reinstated RIF’d Employee Because He Is an Asshole - “The local Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, known as SAMHSA, is refusing to acknowledge a formerly RIF’d federal employee who previously worked in their office, despite his reinstatement by a political appointee, due to the alleged employee being ‘a giant, flaming asshole’ per several sources.”

» 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 is Kobayashi Maru, a creative powerhouse behind some of your favorite FBF merch. (PS - If you’re a Trekkie too, the “Do Not Comply in Advance” stickers are back in stock 👀)

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

SELF CARE

» Celebrate Pride month and read about these 12 LGBTQ+ Heroes You Didn’t Learn About in History Class.

» For the book lovers: join the National Book Foundation’s Summer Reading Adventure. Complete any of the Reading Adventure activities to be entered to win e-readers, book subscriptions, ice cream, and even a grand prize trip to NYC.

» Your Greater Good Happiness Calendar for June 2026. This month, slow down and connect.

» ❄️🥰 Sometimes, you just have to Let It Go.

» Don’t forget about the Southern-Fried Gaming Expo, which is run by three NCEH Spoons, taking place from July 31 through August 2 at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center and the Cobb Convention Center Atlanta.