In the aftermath of a tragic shooting at the CDC’s Atlanta headquarters, agency staff across the nation have been granted the ability to work from home, as reported by staffers who preferred to remain anonymous due to concerns about potential retaliation.
The decision comes following a severe incident last Friday, when a shooter targeted four buildings within the agency, precipitating lockdowns affecting CDC, Emory University, and nearby schools in DeKalb County.
The newly appointed CDC Director acknowledged the disruption caused by the shooting, leading to heightened feelings of fear and uncertainty among employees.
A union representing CDC workers, AFGE Local 2883, has voiced significant concerns over the incident, indicating it represents a culmination of ongoing grievances related to staff treatment.
In a public statement, the union expressed that the act was not random but rather a targeted assault against the CDC, highlighting a disturbing trend fueled by vaccine disinformation that poses threats to public health.
They articulated, “This tragedy was not random and it compounds months of mistreatment, neglect, and vilification that CDC staff have endured. The deliberate targeting of CDC through this violent act is deeply disturbing, completely unacceptable, and an attack on every public servant.”
In their statement, the union emphasized the psychological impact on workers, noting that many employees were trapped in various buildings for hours, sustaining fear and trauma from the experience. They noted that the uncertainty surrounding the incident lingers well beyond the lockdown’s conclusion, indicating that the ramifications of violence in the workplace extend into ongoing mental distress.
In light of this, AFGE Local 2883 has put forth several demands aimed at safeguarding their members moving forward. They have called for fair telework policies that span all CDC campuses and divisions, recognizing the persisting threat of violence in work environments.
Additionally, they are advocating for access to trauma-informed mental health resources, emphasizing that while the CDC’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is valuable, it is understaffed and primarily geared towards short-term care, which may not suffice for the ongoing needs of affected employees.
The union also insisted on a clear condemnation of vaccine disinformation from CDC and HHS leadership, asserting that such public denunciation is crucial for reinforcing public trust and mitigating potential violence instigated by misinformation.
Furthermore, they are urging the implementation of perimeter security on all agency campuses until a comprehensive investigation is conducted and the findings shared transparently with employees. Transparency regarding building repairs, reopening timelines, and safety upgrades has also been requested.
Moreover, the union is seeking involvement in discussions surrounding employee safety, granting representation for the voices of affected employees in decision-making processes.
The demands conclude with a call for clear and compassionate communication from leadership, as well as space for staff to express their thoughts and experiences. The union has also asked for congressional action to counter the politicization of federal employees and ensure accountability for rhetoric that vilifies public servants.
Additionally, they called upon Congress to provide dedicated funding for workplace safety enhancements and comprehensive trauma recovery programs for federal workers.
In response to the incident, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. released a statement expressing condolences after the shooting, which resulted in the death of CDC officer David Rose. His statement reinforced support for the CDC staff, acknowledging the fear and uncertainty they are facing. He described public health workers as individuals who show up daily with a renewed purpose, honoring their commitment to protect the health of others in the face of violence.
CDC Director Susan Monarez echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the safety and well-being of everyone at CDC remains the priority. She mentioned that they are actively collaborating with federal, state, and local partners to investigate the situation thoroughly, expressing gratitude for the support received from community members and leaders during this challenging time.
image source from：fox5atlanta
