FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2026
January 14, 2026
Contact:
AFGE Local 3840
[email protected]
Major Union Victory–NIOSH Employees Win Full Reinstatement After Nine-Month Fight
Reversal follows sustained pressure from AFGE members, labor allies, public health experts
CINCINNATI, OH — After nine months of sustained organizing and collective action, all employees at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) who received layoff notices have been fully reinstated, the union representing NIOSH workers announced today.
In April 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiated a Reduction in Force that targeted more than 90% of the NIOSH workforce—approximately 1,000 employees including scientists, engineers, and technical experts critical to the nation's workplace safety and public health infrastructure. On January 13, 2026, HHS reversed course completely, revoking all layoff notices.
"This moment belongs to every single person who refused to stay silent," said Dr. Micah Niemeier-Walsh, PhD, Vice President of American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3840 and industrial hygienist at NIOSH. "Every rally, every media interview, every petition signature, every act of solidarity by NIOSH employees and our partners in the labor movement led to this victory of saving NIOSH."
The victory came after sustained pressure from unions, labor advocates, and public health experts. HHS had initially reinstated only 328 NIOSH employees in May 2025, just a small fraction of the agency, and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had proposed a budget that would eliminate around 80% of NIOSH's funding.
The reinstatement of all NIOSH staff ensures the continuation of critical programs that protect all working people, including mine safety research, chemical hazard assessment, and research on emerging occupational risks.
“The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is a small but vital federal agency that helps prevent employee injuries, illnesses, and deaths at workplaces nationwide,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley. “The administration’s attempt to lay off nearly every NIOSH worker was shameful and illegal, considering that much of NIOSH’s work is required by law. As the union representing these dedicated public servants, we are grateful that their jobs have been restored and we will continue fighting to ensure NIOSH has the resources and support it needs to serve the American public.”
Local 3840 continues to demand full restoration of funding to all NIOSH programs, renewal and rehiring of Title 42 fellows, protection of scientific integrity and research independence, recognition of collective bargaining agreements, and resuming workplace flexibilities.
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