Highly Skilled CDC Scientists Are Quietly Being Pushed Out

Despite public assurances from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that scientists aren't targeted in workforce cuts, many scientists at CDC are being shown the door. The quiet dismissal of Title 42 employees, experts recruited for their top-tier scientific and public health skills, is already disrupting lifesaving research and operations.

These workers aren’t just “doing science” in labs. They are physicians, industrial hygienists, epidemiologists, health scientists, engineers, and data experts who provide the evidence public health decisions are built on. Their contracts, typically renewed every five years, are now being allowed to expire without renewal. These “nonrenewals” function as shadow firings. They aren't counted in official firing statistics and they bypass federal hiring and firing rules.

“HHS has not responded to any renewal requests which has left the CDC isolated and losing talented and expert scientists.” — An anonymous CDC Title 42 employee

Union leaders from AFGE locals at CDC are sounding the alarm. Without these scientists, vital public health research on cancer, autoimmune disorders, infectious disease, and more is slowing down or stopping entirely.

"Even if the July hiring freeze is lifted T42s still will face uncertainty. The loss of public health capacity and jurisdictional coordination will be felt throughout the country as several CDC field epidemiologists assigned to state and local health departments will continue to be silently loss throughout the upcoming months to over the next few years." — A second anonymous CDC Title 42 employee

It’s not just job loss. Many affected workers are immigrants on H-1B visas. Losing their jobs could mean losing their right to stay in the U.S. Entire families are now living with that uncertainty.

Secretary Kennedy claims no “working scientists” are being let go. But union reps and employees say otherwise. CDC staff began receiving calls in February that their contracts wouldn't be renewed, with no explanation from leadership. Lawmakers like Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) have asked for answers. So far, silence.

This isn’t about trimming a budget. This is about weakening our public health infrastructure, behind closed doors and without accountability. This mistreatment is destabilizing a critical public health workforce and undermining the CDC’s ability to retain top scientific talent.

We need your voice.

🟦 Take Action: Read the full report from PBS NewsHour here.

🟦 Speak up: Share your story or concerns with AFGE Local 2883 leadership.

🟦 Stay Informed: Follow updates in our union newsletter and attend our monthly meetings.