CDC Lays Off Own HR Staff, Leaving Colleagues to Pick Up the Pieces

CDC Workers Summoned to Layoffs, Left to Mourn Colleagues ATLANTA - On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) underwent a mass layoff that has left many former employees reeling. The unprecedented move saw HR workers summoned from furlough to participate in laying off their colleagues, leaving behind a trail of trauma and despair. According to sources within the agency, approximately 700 CDC staff members were let go, with some estimates suggesting as many as 1,000 could be affected by the end of the year. The terminated employees include scientists, researchers, and support staff who have dedicated their careers to protecting public health. "It was like a massacre," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a former CDC employee who was among those laid off. "We were told that our roles had been eliminated due to 'budget constraints,' but we know that's not the truth. This is a devastating blow to our agency and the people it serves." The National Public Health Coalition, a network of terminated CDC staff, has come together to provide support and advocacy for those affected by the layoffs. In a statement released on Tuesday, the coalition expressed concern about the impact of these cuts on public health infrastructure. "The CDC is not just any government agency - it's the nation's premier public health organization," said Dr. Rodriguez, who now serves as a spokesperson for the National Public Health Coalition. "These layoffs will have far-reaching consequences for our country's ability to respond to emerging health threats and protect vulnerable populations." The Trump administration has yet to provide clear explanations or justifications for the mass layoff, leaving many to speculate about the motivations behind this decision. In a statement released on Tuesday, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3395, which represents CDC employees, expressed outrage over the lack of transparency and communication from agency leadership. "The administration's failure to provide clear explanations for these cuts has left our members feeling betrayed and demoralized," said AFGE Local 3395 President, Michael Williams. "We demand that the administration come clean about the reasons behind this decision and take immediate action to protect the remaining employees." The layoffs have also sparked concerns about the long-term impact on public health research and response efforts. "The CDC is not just a government agency - it's a critical component of our nation's public health infrastructure," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). "These cuts will have far-reaching consequences for our ability to respond to emerging health threats, from pandemics to antimicrobial resistance." As the dust settles on this unprecedented event, many are left wondering what's next for the CDC and its employees. The CDC has announced plans to provide support services for terminated employees, including career counseling and outplacement assistance. However, many have expressed concerns about the adequacy of these measures in addressing the trauma and disruption caused by the layoffs. In a statement released on Tuesday, CDC Director Robert Redfield acknowledged the challenges facing the agency and its employees but emphasized the need to "move forward" with a renewed focus on public health priorities. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this mass layoff, one thing is clear: the impact will be felt for years to come. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*