The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently laid off numerous employees, including seasoned professionals with exemplary performance reviews, leaving them without a clear explanation or even their termination letters. This sudden decision affected public health fellows stationed at various state, local, and regional health departments, as well as staff involved in global health and outbreak response efforts. The layoffs, which come amidst an ongoing bird flu outbreak, have also led to the suspension of the CDC's seasonal flu vaccine campaign.
The layoffs are part of a broader initiative to curtail government spending, despite the affected employees representing only a small fraction of the federal budget. The so-called "department of government efficiency," or Doge, has targeted specific agencies, leading to thousands of federal employees across the country appealing the decisions.
Mack Guthrie, a former CDC employee and part of the Public Health Associate Program—now eliminated—described the layoffs as "a major hit to America’s health infrastructure." Guthrie, who had received outstanding performance reviews, expressed his disbelief over losing his job under such circumstances. Formerly dedicated CDC employees like Guthrie are now part of a class-action wrongful termination appeal to the US Merit Systems Protection Board, represented by the Washington law firm James & Hoffman. This appeal includes approximately 2,000 federal employees.
"a major hit to America’s health infrastructure" – Mack Guthrie
The abrupt terminations have sowed chaos and confusion among those affected. Many employees have not received formal letters explaining their dismissal and find themselves locked out of essential systems. The uncertainty extends to concerns over annual leave payouts and health insurance coverage. Mack Guthrie described the situation as chaotic, stating, "The whole process has been dominated by chaos and confusion."
"The whole process has been dominated by chaos and confusion." – Mack Guthrie
Employees working tirelessly around the clock to fulfill the administration's demands now find themselves abruptly unemployed. One CDC employee, who served for four and a half years, articulated their feelings of betrayal and disbelief: "That was such a big part of my life … I feel betrayed." Another longtime CDC employee reflected on the emotional toll, stating, "It feels like I worked so hard to be where I’m at, only to look back and see an empty space. I know I did the work, but it’s rapidly being taken away."
"That was such a big part of my life … I feel betrayed." – A CDC employee who was at the CDC for four and a half years
"It feels like I worked so hard to be where I’m at, only to look back and see an empty space. I know I did the work, but it’s rapidly being taken away." – A longtime CDC employee
For many, joining the CDC represented a pinnacle career achievement in public service. As one longtime employee lamented, "All of us have always looked at CDC as being the final goalpost for a public career." The sudden layoffs have disrupted this perception, leaving many feeling adrift.
"All of us have always looked at CDC as being the final goalpost for a public career," – A longtime CDC employee
Despite these setbacks, terminated employees are actively pursuing justice through legal channels. They are challenging the rationale behind their dismissals, particularly in light of their strong performance records. One CDC contractor emphasized their frustration: "If you’re going to terminate my position, don’t tell me it’s because of my performance." This sentiment echoes throughout the affected workforce.
"If you’re going to terminate my position, don’t tell me it’s because of my performance," – A CDC contractor who worked for four years before entering a probationary period
While the future remains uncertain for many former CDC employees, they continue to seek answers and accountability. Calls for guidance often result in further delays, with reassurances such as "Please call back tomorrow, we will have better guidance" providing little comfort in the face of widespread upheaval.
"Please call back tomorrow, we will have better guidance," – A CDC employee