Several workers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) who were fired, rehired, and then fired again have reported missing salary payments, lack of restored health insurance, and a lack of basic paperwork from the agency. The Department of Commerce and NOAA fired over 600 probationary employees in February, leading to legal battles resulting in some workers being reinstated and then fired a second time. The limited communication from NOAA has prevented workers from receiving unemployment benefits and left them to cover healthcare costs. Critics argue that the mass firings show a lack of planning by federal agencies. The Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility has outlined concerns in a letter to the Commerce Secretary, highlighting sloppy record-keeping and illegal actions harming NOAA workers. Workers have reported confusion and stress over the lack of communication and support from NOAA during the legal back-and-forth. One worker had to undergo a $70,000 surgery without active insurance coverage after being fired for the second time. Despite the chaos, workers like Kayla Besong hope to return to their positions, but fear their future job prospects in the federal government due to being terminated. Overall, the situation highlights the challenges faced by workers caught up in the mass firings and legal battles at federal agencies like NOAA.
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