WASHINGTON — The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) announced Tuesday that some NIOSH programs focused on firefighter health and safety will be restored following a “misinterpreted executive order” that resulted in dozens of layoffs to programs like the Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program, the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer, and the World Trade Center Health Program.
The IAFF media advisory indicated that IAFF President Ed Kelly has been working with the Trump administration to protect these programs. Kelly shared the following message with IAFF members:
“This past Saturday, I spoke with both the White House and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to discuss these programs. Yesterday, I was notified that HHS had begun restoring these programs, and staff would be returning to their roles as early as today. It was explained to me that the Reduction in Force (RIF) ordered by a White House Executive Order was misinterpreted by ‘mid-level bureaucrats,’ and our programs – which Secretary Kennedy assured me were ‘critical’ – would continue. Secretary Kennedy and I also discussed meaningful ways to improve the programs to better serve our members. Thanks to our advocacy, these programs will continue. I am confident that the IAFF’s voice will continue to be heard as we work together to improve these programs and make our dangerous jobs as safe as possible.”
Kelly went on to say that there’s no question that the federal government can operate more efficiently, but that efficiency should never come at the expense of those who risk their lives to protect others.
Kennedy Jr. praised firefighters on X, adding that “critical services of NIOSH will remain intact.”
FireRescue1 reached out to NIOSH staff members impacted by the recent reduction in force (RIF) notifications sent to dozens of employees working for the firefighter health and safety programs. One staff member, who requested anonymity, said it’s important to acknowledge that these moves to restore the firefighter programs are only temporary, as some NIOSH staff still have termination dates in June and have been asked to complete their existing work in the next few weeks. This information is confirmed by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) in a recent Facebook post:
Additionally, FireRescue1 obtained a copy of a letter from Cathy Tinney-Zara, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3430, that also confirmed the temporary nature of the NIOSH staff callbacks:
“We are encouraged by the decision to temporarily call back several NIOSH employees. This action, though temporary, allows these dedicated professionals to return to their critical roles in advancing worker safety and health across the country. Their return means renewed momentum for life-saving research, outreach, and interventions that protect workers in high-risk industries and help prevent illness, injury, and death on the job. However, it is important to note that these employees remain on the Reduction in Force (RIF) list and are still scheduled for termination on June 2nd. This reinstatement does not include all impacted employees. The focus of the recall appears to center on programs currently in the media spotlight—namely, the Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program (CWHSP) and the Fire Fighters’ Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program (FFFIPP).”
One NIOSH employee said they believe the administration is now working to determine how to keep firefighter program employees without enacting formal RIF procedures.
“Until I see [confirmation of programs being restored], I don’t believe it,” the employee added.
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