Summary
The CDC has reinstated about 180 employees who were laid off two weeks ago as part of Trump and Musk’s purge.
The agency is among several now reversing layoffs, including those overseeing medical devices, food safety, bird flu response, nuclear weapons, and national parks. The total number of CDC terminations stands around 550.
Many reinstated workers were outbreak responders in public health fellowship programs.
Sen. Raphael Warnock welcomed the move but warned that continued cuts endanger public health and national security.
Public sector employment terms can’t just be renegotiated on the fly. That used to be part of why they were relatively stable and safe.
…except that’s precisely what the administration did: renegotiated employment terms on the fly, and this is them continuing to do so. I don’t see why critical employees shouldn’t use the leverage they clearly have.
Once again, I am not arguing the morality of what the administration did or what the employees should do in response. Only the practicality. The process for squeezing the government for a non-standard work arrangement will take months and probably involve legal battles. These people have lives to get back to.
Except the terms were changed, by the administration. They opened the can of worms, I hope at least a few of the people make solid gains.
I’m not arguing with you, just pointing out that it’s not a simple thing. Most people, maybe all of them, will just take their old job back, or go elsewhere.
No kidding. Yeah then I’d go back for a check and bail ASAP…