this post was submitted on 12 Oct 2025
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United States | News & Politics

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Friday's layoffs swept up scientists involved in responding to disease outbreaks and running an influential journal. Officials said the mistaken dismissals were being rescinded.

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[–] henfredemars@infosec.pub 38 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I would demand financial compensation before returning. You can't trust such an employer.

[–] spider@midwest.social 24 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

Especially in light of recent stories about Fed employees working without pay during the shutdown.

[–] henfredemars@infosec.pub 13 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

Completely. I'm lucky enough that in my field I can find another job in a few weeks. If this happened to me, I would demand:

  1. Payment up front for lost time.
  2. A punitive signing bonus.
  3. A severance clause, with lump sum payment due upon termination in the future.

I'd be happy to do business with you, but I will now need additional assurances to move forward.

[–] village604@adultswim.fan 2 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Are you sure you can find another job in a few weeks?

I thought the same when I was laid off from a contractor in February due to musk's bullshit, and I didn't even get an interview until August despite hundreds of applications, a decade of engineer level experience in the field and multiple letters of recommendation. I basically only got the interview because my wife worked there.

I got hired based on merit, but at 50% what I was making before and as an entry level tech.

[–] Rentlar@lemmy.ca 7 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Oh my, that's right I forgot about that, that's doubly messed up...

"You're fired. Actually you're not. And, we don't have the money to pay you because of the shutdown. But you have to work this job we 'accidentally' fired you from without pay because you're essential."

[–] spider@midwest.social 6 points 2 weeks ago

In other words, they want to make slavery fashionable again.

[–] Blackfeathr@lemmy.world 28 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)
[–] spider@midwest.social 16 points 2 weeks ago

Almost quick enough to give you whiplash.

[–] LoonyLenny 15 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

Is this one of them onion communities? 😆

[–] spider@midwest.social 19 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

At this point real-life stuff is arguably crazier than The Onion.

[–] AtariDump@lemmy.world 12 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)
[–] spider@midwest.social 1 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

They're almost at this point.

[–] Tollana1234567@lemmy.today 4 points 2 weeks ago

Onion does real news now.

[–] MalReynolds@piefed.social 14 points 2 weeks ago

Lays off 1000s, brings back scores (multiples of 20), still sounds like a massacre to me...

[–] Gullible@sh.itjust.works 9 points 2 weeks ago

A repeat episode? Lame

[–] spider@midwest.social 6 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

I switched to an archived version because NYT paywalls the article if you view it more than once.

[–] charade_you_are@sh.itjust.works 6 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

They're actually gonna be forced into new roles as Vaccine Elimination Officers. Bustin' into doctors office and fuckin' up anyone giving or getting vaccines

[–] spider@midwest.social 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Maybe they'll do test runs in Florida and Texas first.

[–] charade_you_are@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

I'm pretty the absolute fucking pieces of shit running those states would welcome it as long as they get paid

[–] spider@midwest.social 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Hell, they might even do it for free just to kiss Trump's ass.

[–] charade_you_are@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 weeks ago

It can be substituted for the usual 1m a month fealty fee

[–] Tylerdurdon@lemmy.world 6 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)
[–] everett@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 weeks ago
[–] Tollana1234567@lemmy.today 4 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

if you are scientists, with significant experience it shouldnt be hard to find a opening in the private sector. JUST not for anyone without significant grad schooling. you are better off applying to a company that does some form of research doesnt need to be disease.