25% of CDC Workforce Departs

Bassyonni

ago 6 hours

The recent mass layoffs at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have raised significant concerns about the agency’s workforce stability. According to estimates from the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 2883, approximately 3,000 employees, or 25% of the CDC’s workforce, have left this year.

Details of the Workforce Departures

The significant departures include staff impacted by earlier layoffs and those who accepted the “Fork in the Road” buyout program initiated by the Trump administration.

Recent Layoffs

On October 10, over 1,300 CDC employees were notified of their termination. However, about 700 of these employees received an email shortly afterward stating they had been mistakenly terminated and were not subject to the layoffs. Currently, an estimated 600 individuals remain terminated.

Administrative Leave Status

Additionally, the union reports that 1,300 CDC employees are on administrative leave, receiving pay without active work. The exact number of targeted staff due to the layoffs has not been officially disclosed by the Trump administration.

Areas Affected by Reductions

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
National Center for Health Statistics
CDC Library
Human Resources Department
Campus Safety Staff
CDC Office in Washington, DC

The cuts directly affect critical areas within the CDC and its ability to function effectively, including the agency’s liaison with Congress and public health messaging to policymakers.

Reinstated Employees

Despite the reductions, some key personnel were reinstated. This includes staff responsible for publishing the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and leadership from various national centers, such as the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Members of the Epidemic Intelligence Service, known as the CDC’s “disease detectives,” were also brought back to support ongoing health initiatives.

As the situation evolves, the implications of these workforce departures at the CDC highlight the challenges faced in maintaining public health and responding to ongoing health issues. The potential impact on health initiatives may be significant, warranting close attention from both public health officials and policymakers.