AFGE locals representing employees at health agencies under the Department of Health and Human Services warned that Trump’s plan to cut a total of 20,000 employees will significantly diminish our country’s ability to fight diseases and respond to outbreaks.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced sweeping changes aimed at consolidating divisions and reducing personnel. These changes include reducing the HHS workforce from 82,000 to 62,000 employees. That includes a reduction in force (RIF) of 10,000 full-time employees and another 10,000 from early retirement, the Fork in the Road deferred resignation program and other restructuring efforts.
“While the stated goal is to make HHS more efficient, the reality is that these cuts will significantly diminish the ability of critical agencies, particularly the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], to respond effectively to ongoing and future health emergencies,” said AFGE Locals 3840, 2883, 2923, 3430, and 1916 in a statement. “Contrary to the assertions made by Secretary Kennedy, these reductions will have far-reaching consequences that directly impact our ability to combat disease outbreaks, provide essential healthcare services, and support crucial research and policy planning. We question the claims that “essential health services won’t be affected,” as these drastic cuts are bound to diminish our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to both chronic and acute health threats.”
Scientists and researchers working to fight and find cures for diseases began receiving layoff notices on April 1. According to HHS, 28 divisions will be consolidated to 15, 10 regional offices will become 5, Human Resources, Information Technology, Procurement, External Affairs, and Policy will be centralized.
In addition, the administration will cut:
AFGE President Everett Kelley condemned the cuts.
“The recent mass layoffs at HHS affecting employees at the CDC, FDA, and other federal health agencies are dangerous, irresponsible, and unacceptable. Cutting 10,000 critical public health jobs puts every American at risk -- weakening our defenses against disease outbreaks, unsafe medications, and contaminated food,” he said. “Congress and citizens must join us in pushing back. Our health, safety, and security depend on a strong, fully staffed public health system.”
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