global 4.6
June 18, 2026 · Newsletter
The cost of corruption.
The cost of corruption and the absolute arrogance of the Epstein class is on full display right here in Jacksonville in real time.
On May 9, 2026, 25-year-old Anthony Elrod was killed while conducting maintenance on a self-propelled modular transporter at the BAE Systems Maritime Solutions Jacksonville shipyard. [1]
Elrod’s death has been called a “preventable workplace disaster” and workers at the shipyard began organizing to form a union demanding safer and more humane workplace conditions.
BAE Systems has fought their attempts to unionize and announced the layoffs of 200 workers — nearly 25% of the total workforce — earlier this month. These layoffs come despite BAE’s recent investment of a “$200 million ship lift on the St. Johns River” that expanded the “shipyard’s docking capacity by 300%.” [2]
In a recent letter to BAE Systems CEO Tom Arseneault, Senator Bernie Sanders blasted their “inhumane and unacceptable” treatment of their workers and outlined how BAE Systems “is not a poor company” —
BAE Systems generated more than $2.7 billion in profit last year;
The company received at least $12.6 billion in federal funds last year alone;
BAE Systems has secured more than $170 billion in federal contracts since 2007;
BAE Systems distributed more than $2 billion in stock buybacks and dividends to its shareholders last year;
And, CEO Tom Arseneault received more than $17 million in total compensation. [3]
Not a poor company indeed.
Two days prior to Mr. Elrod’s tragic death, BAE issued a news release bragging about their stock’s “strong showing” proclaiming that “security threats continue to grow, leading governments to increase defence spending” and they “expect significant opportunities across our business, including space systems, missile and air defence systems, drones and counter drone technology, electronic warfare, combat aircraft, combat vehicles, frigates and submarines…” [4]
Music to the ears of greedy war-profiteers… like our opponent, Congressman insider-stock-trader John Rutherford, who, of course, owns stock in BAE Systems. [5]
Rutherford, who sits on the House Appropriations subcommittee for the Department of Homeland Security — the very committee that awards BAE Systems contracts — doesn’t even hide the fact that he profits off insider trades.
So when workers exercise their constitutional right to form a union and collectively bargain over “dangerous and unsafe conditions”, war-profiteers like John Rutherford do not stand with workers.
They stand with the $17-million-per-year CEO and his “union busting” thugs. Members of the Epstein class only care about their stock buybacks, workers be damned.
Well, we stand with the workers and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB) and their demands for a safe workplace and their constitutional right to form a union.
That’s why we support the PRO Act (Protecting the Right to Organize Act) to modernize the National Labor Relations Act and expand and protect the rights of workers. [6]
It is why we will demand the full release of the Epstein files and insist on accountability for those responsible for decades of abuse to young girls.
It is why we support getting corporate dark money out of politics by overturning Citizens United.
And it is why we will support a stock trading ban for all Members of Congress as well the entire Executive Branch and their families.
We are beyond proud to have earned the endorsement of the Florida AFL-CIO and look forward to standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the fight for workers’ rights and accountability for the Epstein class.
Florida families are fed up with the rising costs, immense corruption, and exhausting chaos caused by the likes of Trump and John Rutherford. It’s time they face consequences for their greed.
We can end it if we work together.
In solidarity — Rachel Grage
PS — Not only does John Rutherford make money off BAE Systems, he also takes money from them via thousands in corporate donations to both his campaign and his PAC! The war-profiteers are going to protect their war-profiteering Congressman with thousands in corporate donations. [7] [8]
Please help us fight back today with $5, $10, $25, or whatever you can help with! Thank you.
Employee dies in accident at BAE Systems Jacksonville shipyard, News 4 Jax
BAE Systems lays off nearly 200 Jacksonville workers, News 4 Jax
BAE Systems backs 2026 guidance after “strong” showing so far, Alliance News
Who held defense stocks while making national security policy?, Responsible Statecraft
What Working Families Want, AFL-CIO
Vendor/Recipient: Citizens for John Rutherford, OpenSecrets
Corporate PAC Donors, Quiver Quantitative