Terminated/RIF GUIDANCE
AFGE L2883 terminated volunteers have created a suite of resources across our webpage to help terminated probationary and RIF'd employees navigate their next steps during this difficult and unclear time. We will be updating the content, to the best of our ability, as we gather more information and as more actions unfold. Keep checking back for updated information.
Many hands make light work- so if you would like to help keep these pages updated and create other terminated/RIFs comms, email rif@afge2883ga.org.
Terminated/RIF Guidance Available
Status of grievances
AFGE L2883 filed group grievances on behalf of bargaining unit employees who were terminated probationary or RIFd employees. The group grievances cover any bargaining unit employees who did not file individual grievances. Non-bargaining unit employees are excluded from filing administrative grievances regarding RIF.
All grievances are currently on pause due to the March 27, 2025 Executive Order attempting to strip bargaining union rights. AFGE has filed a lawsuit and we are waiting a judge's ruling on the EO. Until then, individual and group grievances are paused at the agency, this is why you have not heard an update on the grievances.
Other RIF Resources
Additional RIF resources exist that may answer questions as you navigate the RIF process. However, none of these have been officially approved by OHR.
RIF Transition Questions & Answers Document
CDC’s NCCDPHP compiled information pertinent to RIF’d employees.
The Fired But Fighting team provides answers to common questions.
A custom-built AI Chatbot specifically configured to inform users about terminations and the RIF; drawing on publicly available documents from AFGE, OPM, FiredButFighting, and Federal Workers Legal Defense Network. Thus, responses are NOT specific to CDC or AFGE Local 2883.
Note the disclaimer after every response, indicating content is unofficial, and instructing the user to confirm the information.
It does NOT provide official guidance and absolutely does NOT offer legal advice. The Unofficial RIF Advisor is currently set to NOT cite specific court cases.
CDC’s Office of Human Resources Has Been Unresponsive
The current RIF was conducted by HHS and included members of the CDC Office of Human Resources (OHR), leaving the remaining staff overwhelmed.
In the meantime, AFGE Local 2883 offers guidance and attempts to manage your expectations:
It is not possible to predict when CDC HR will be able to:
Process personnel actions to:
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Update or correct SF-50s
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Make changes to the Government Retirement & Benefits (GRB) Platform
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Some changes can be directly by employees
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Make changes in the Federal Employee’s Health Benefits (FEHB)
HR is unlikely to be able to complete actions like:
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Process timesheet amendments (e.g., Annual Leave to Time Off Award)
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Respond to personal requests:
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Questions specific to you (e.g., calculating time in service & contractor year bridging, eligibility for retirement or reinstatement programs)
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Requesting assistance in retirement applications
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HR wants you to know:
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Retirement applications should be submitted via GRB. If they are not acted on within 30 days, then resubmit them directly to OPM.
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HR tickets are more likely to yield a response when the inquiry uses your own words rather than from an existing template.
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In light of the overwhelming influx of requests, and the restrictions imposed on the remaining HR staff, there are severe lags in response time, even for relatively small changes.
Please try to be patient, and do not keep re-submitting emails and tickets. You will not receive a faster response, and a slow the existing backlog.
You may wish to ask colleagues that asked similar questions to see if they received a response.
Review AFGE’s Immediate & Next Steps If You Receive a RIF Notice, which explains:
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How to point out errors in the RIF notification
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When, where and how to submit required forms
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The recommended response to the Authorization for Release of Information