Latest news with #EconomicBlackoutTour
Hindustan Times
23-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Nationwide McDonald's boycott begins tomorrow: Here's everything you need to know
A nationwide boycott of McDonald's is set to begin on June 24 and run through June 30. It is being organized by The People's Union USA as part of its ongoing 'Economic Blackout Tour.' Nationwide McDonald's boycott begins on June 24.(REUTERS) The boycott targets the fast-food giant for rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, along with broader criticisms of its corporate behavior. Speaking to USA TODAY, John Schwarz, the founder of The People's Union USA, said, 'We're boycotting McDonald's because they've shown time and time again that profit matters more than people, from price gouging to tax evasion, from inequality in pay to exploitation in advertising. "And yes, their DEI efforts feel more like promotional stunts than real systemic change. We're done funding companies that pretend to stand for something while doing nothing." What Are the Group's Main Accusations? In an Instagram post, Schwarz detailed the group's grievances against McDonald's: "They exploit tax loopholes and do not pay their fair share. They engage in price gouging while wages stay low. They suppress workers' rights and union efforts. They support political figures who threaten democracy. They practice performative DEI with no meaningful change. They prioritize profit over people, community, and truth," he wrote. About The People's Union USA On its website, The People's Union USA describes itself as 'a grassroots movement focused on economic resistance, corporate accountability, and real justice for the working class.' Since launching the Economic Blackout Tour in February 2025, the organization has led previous boycotts targeting Target and Walmart. Also Read: McDonald's to remain shut down in US amid nationwide boycott? Know who is behind it and how long it will last Upcoming Boycotts According to a flyer shared by Schwarz on social media, additional boycotts are planned throughout the summer: July 4: Nationwide 'Economic Blackout" July 1–31: Starbucks, Amazon, and Home Depot August 1–31: Walmart, McDonald's, and Lowe's
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
McDonald's boycott June 24: Who's behind it, why it's happening, and how long it will last
McDonald 's is about to face a boycott soon. McDonald's is facing criticism as The People's Union USA calls for a nationwide boycott from June 24. The People's Union USA is encouraging Americans to boycott the Golden Arches as part of its ongoing " Economic Resistance " campaign. McDonald's is expected to become the latest company to be boycotted by a group that supports "economic resistance" as a strategy for achieving corporate accountability and "real justice for the working class,' as per a report by Newsweek. As part of its ongoing "Economic Blackout Tour," the group that started the Target and Walmart boycotts, The People's Union USA, is encouraging Americans to reconsider where and how they spend. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo Who is behind the boycott movement? The People's Union USA, is asking Americans not to shop at the restaurant chain from June 24 to June 30. The People's Union USA calls for a nationwide boycott, citing low wages, tax avoidance, and corporate accountability. Their goal is to encourage large corporations to treat employees fairly and pay their taxes. Live Events The boycotts are spearheaded by The People's Union USA, which is characterized on its website as "a grassroots movement dedicated to economic resistance, corporate accountability, and genuine justice for the working class." Since February, the group has organized boycotts against Amazon, Walmart, and Target, alongside intermittent "economic blackouts," during which it advocates for Americans to "eschew shopping, streaming, online orders, fast food, and all intermediaries" and to exclusively patronize small, local companies, as per a report by Newsweek. ALSO READ: CNN staff in panic as they brace for shake-up under new boss amid spinoff rumors and budget cuts The McDonald's boycott has garnered less attention compared to the efforts against Walmart, Amazon, and Target, the latter of which The People's Union USA's founder, John Schwarz asserted should endure a "permanent boycott" to experience "the full power of the people." Why is McDonald's being targeted? The pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement has been waging a boycott against McDonald's since late 2023 on the grounds that it was complicit in the Israeli military's actions in the Gaza Strip. Earlier this year, The People's Union USA disseminated a list of principal issues regarding each targeted corporation on its website, primarily focused on tax evasion, labor conditions, and overarching monopolistic practices. McDonald's was listed for "tax avoidance and known lobbying against wage increases," concerns that have garnered substantial criticism and legal repercussions for the firm in recent years. Target, Walmart, and Amazon are all suffering the effects of economic resistance, according to John Schwarz, founder of The People's Union USA. "To lessen the burden on American workers, my friends, we are fighting for big businesses to finally pay their due share of federal income taxes," he stated. He asserted that they are also working for these corporations to hold themselves and manufacturers to equality and a realistic profit margin cap. Why have there been so many boycotts in 2025? As a result of some companies reversing their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, as well as a broader backlash against practices like tax evasion and underpaying employees, the first half of 2025 has seen boycotts of a number of well-known businesses. FAQs Why is McDonald's boycotted? The boycott is intended to protest McDonald's policies on low wages, tax avoidance, and corporate accountability. How long will the boycott continue? The boycott is scheduled from June 24 to 30, with additional economic resistance campaigns planned throughout the summer.
Newsweek
20-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Nationwide McDonald's Boycott Planned for June 24: What To Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. McDonald's is set to join the growing list of companies subject to boycotts this year, led by a group advocating for "economic resistance" as a means toward corporate accountability and "real justice for the working class." As part of its ongoing "Economic Blackout Tour," The People's Union USA, the movement behind boycotts of Target and Walmart, is urging Americans to refrain from shopping at the restaurant chain between June 24 and 30. Newsweek has reached out to McDonald's and The People's Union USA's founder, John Schwarz, via email for comment. Why It Matters The first half of 2025 has been marked by boycotts of several household-name companies, sparked by certain corporations rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, as well as wider pushback against practices such as tax avoidance and underpaying workers. Since late 2023, McDonald's has also been battling a boycott led by the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement for alleged complicity with the actions of the Israeli military in the Gaza Strip. A sign towers over a McDonald's restaurant on May 13, 2025, in Chicago. A sign towers over a McDonald's restaurant on May 13, 2025, in To Know The boycotts are being led by The People's Union USA, described on its website as "a grassroots movement focused on economic resistance, corporate accountability, and real justice for the working class." Since February, the group has orchestrated boycotts of Amazon, Walmart and Target, as well as periodic "economic blackouts," during which it says Americans should "avoid shopping, streaming, online orders, fast food, and everything in between," and rely exclusively on small, local businesses. The McDonald's boycott has received less attention than the campaigns against Walmart, Amazon and Target, the latter of which Schwarz said should be subject to a "permanent boycott" in order to feel "the full power of the people." Earlier this year, The People's Union USA published a list of core grievances with each targeted company to its website, largely centered around tax avoidance, conditions of workers and general monopolistic practices. McDonald's was included in the list for "tax avoidance and known lobbying against wage increases," issues that have in recent years resulted in significant criticism of the company, as well as legal consequences. What People Are Saying John Schwarz, founder of The People's Union USA, in a video posted to Instagram in late May: "Economic resistance is working. Target, Walmart and Amazon are all feeling it, talking about it. They are talking about the boycotts. They are talking about The People's Union USA. My friends, we are fighting for these corporations to finally pay their fair share of federal income taxes to alleviate that from the American worker. We are also fighting for these companies to hold manufacturers and themselves to a reasonable profit margin cap and equality across the board." Genna Gent, vice president of government relations for McDonald's, in a 2019 letter to the National Restaurant Association and obtained by Politico: "Going forward, McDonald's Corporation will not use our resources, including lobbyists or staff, to oppose minimum wage increases at the federal, state or local levels. Nor will we participate in the association advocacy efforts designed expressly to defeat wage increases." What Happens Next The People's Union USA plans to organize an Independence Day boycott, along with a month-long boycott of Starbucks, Amazon and Home Depot in July. Schwarz has also announced that McDonald's, Walmart and Lowe's will be subject of a boycott in August.
Miami Herald
02-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
List of Stores Being Boycotted in June
A national grassroots organization along with other groups are pushing for more change and economic equality throughout June as part of ongoing boycotts against large and influential brands including Target, McDonald's and Dollar General. The nonpartisan People's Union USA has pushed economic boycotts of some of the country's biggest companies since February, vowing to protect the American working class from "the greed and corruption that's kept us divided, distracted, and struggling for decades." Companies like Target have reversed policies on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to the chagrin of The People's Union, which has called such corporate decisions "backward, regressive and dangerous." Newsweek reached out to its founder, John Schwarz, for comment. The "Economic Blackout Tour" rolls on, dissuading Americans from financially supporting Target between June 3 and 9; and McDonald's from June 24 to 30. Newsweek reached out to both companies for comment. The broad effort is not meant to repudiate Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Joe Biden or any other politician, The People's Union says on its website. The group is unaffiliated with any political party or ideological persuasion. "We don't play party games," the website reads. "We don't care who's wearing the suit. What we care about is truth, the people, and the power we hold when we stand together. ... This isn't about personalities, it's about the system. "Both parties have failed us. Billionaires and corporations have bought the government and weaponized the economy. We are not here to argue about figureheads; we're here to dismantle the rigged structure that's been crushing the working class for decades. We don't take sides, we take action." Other boycotts since February 28 have targetedAmazon, Nestle, Walmart and General Mills. Schwarz, who has more than 436,000 Instagram followers, took to the platform on Memorial Day to post a video invigorating like-minded individuals on what the group has already accomplished and what remains on its agenda. The video, titled "Time to Shut Down Target," encourages people "to hold the lines." "We already know Target is being boycotted, but they're not doing anything," Schwarz said. "They've had their chance. So, what we are doing between June 3 and June 9, we will be calling for the permanent boycott of Target. Shop anywhere else but Target, and I literally mean that. "If you got to shop at Walmart or Amazon, places we boycott, do it. Target needs to be shut down; this corporation needs to feel the full power of the people. All thsoe other corporations out there manipulating us will feel the full power. Stand in solidarity, the only thing we have is each other." Black individuals have also boycotted Target for their DEI policies and claimed lack of financial investment in their communities. Reverend Jamal Bryant, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, initially led a Target boycott during the Lenten season coined "Target Fast" in response to the company's elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles and lack of investment in Black-owned banks, businesses and education. "It's been absolutely phenomenal," Bryant told Newsweek on May 29. "It is the largest boycott by black people since the Montgomery bus boycott in its effectiveness. Over 200,000 people signed the [Target Fast] petition. "[It's great] to see over 2,000 churches to fall in alignment. To see the stock drop, to see the valuation drop, to see the CEO salary chopped, to see their foot traffic has dropped says that we've got amazing momentum and the wind to our back, and I really believe that a real civil rights movement is on the horizon." Bryant said Target Fast was borne out of Target's rescinding of DEI policies and the "reneging of their covenant to of the George Floyd family." "When we look at the bottom line of Black people spending $12 million a day in Target, we really felt that it was a betrayal," he said. "They made a covenant after George Floyd's murder, with no prompting, no rally, no protest and no pressure under their own devices. The CEO, Brian [Cornell] said that George Floyd could have been one of his employees. "For them to backpedal in such a speedy way, we thought that was a betrayal that could not be overlooked." He and supporters are now electronically boycotting Dollar General, aiming to overwhelm their systems with calls and emails, along with a social media campaign. Bryant said the brand, even with its 20,500-plus stores in 48 states and $40.6 billion in sales, is "swimming under the radar." "They have three times the stores of Target and Walmart combined, at about 21,000 around the country," he said. "They are in primarily impoverished communities. They're in rural areas of 20,000 or less. We ask for electronic in those rural areas because regrettably, for a lot of communities, that's their only option for groceries. There's no Publix, there's no Giant. "They've taken up that land space and $40 billion in profit, and Dollar General has never given to a Black institution; never given to a Black college; never given to a Black organization. They have no relationship with the Black Farmers Association. You can't just take our dollars and take our dignity at the same time." Target told Newsweek in May: "We are absolutely dedicated to fostering inclusivity for everyone—our team members, our guests and our supply partners. To do that, we're focusing on what we do best: providing the best retail experience for the more than 2,000 communities we're proud to serve." Walmart told Newsweek in May: "As one of the largest corporate taxpayers in the country, not only do we pay our fair share, we are an economic force multiplier strengthening communities nationwide through job creation, supplier growth, and over $1.7 billion in cash and in-kind donations last remain dedicated to earning the business of all Americans and giving our time and resources to causes that uplift and unite communities who rely on us every day." John Schwarz, in an Instagram post during the first Amazon boycott: "Every boycott, every blackout, every stand we take together is shaking their foundation. This moment isn't just about resistance, it's about reclaiming what's ours. Hold the line. Stay strong. The future is in our hands." Future efforts by The People's Union include an Independence Day boycott. It says more boycotts are being planned, with details to follow. Bryant said that boycott efforts across Black communities is an endeavor that escalated on Memorial Day and will at least for now continue until Labor Day, describing it as "the summer of our discontent." He is meeting with other community leaders to identify whether additional companies and brands should be boycotted as well. "We're we're hoping that before the summer ends that we'll have some resolve," he said. Related Articles Dollar General Boycott: What to Know About Key Difference From OthersTarget Cuts Sales Outlook, Cites DEI Backlash and Tariff UncertaintyIs Target Boycott Working? What Sales ShowTarget Boycott Sparks Protest for May 25: What to Know 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
02-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
List of Stores Being Boycotted in June
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A national grassroots organization along with other groups are pushing for more change and economic equality throughout June as part of ongoing boycotts against large and influential brands including Target, McDonald's and Dollar General. Why It Matters The nonpartisan People's Union USA has pushed economic boycotts of some of the country's biggest companies since February, vowing to protect the American working class from "the greed and corruption that's kept us divided, distracted, and struggling for decades." Companies like Target have reversed policies on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to the chagrin of The People's Union, which has called such corporate decisions "backward, regressive and dangerous." Newsweek reached out to its founder, John Schwarz, for comment. What To Know The "Economic Blackout Tour" rolls on, dissuading Americans from financially supporting Target between June 3 and 9; and McDonald's from June 24 to 30. Newsweek reached out to both companies for comment. A McDonald's location in Times Square is pictured. A McDonald's location in Times Square is pictured. Getty Images The broad effort is not meant to repudiate Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Joe Biden or any other politician, The People's Union says on its website. The group is unaffiliated with any political party or ideological persuasion. "We don't play party games," the website reads. "We don't care who's wearing the suit. What we care about is truth, the people, and the power we hold when we stand together. ... This isn't about personalities, it's about the system. "Both parties have failed us. Billionaires and corporations have bought the government and weaponized the economy. We are not here to argue about figureheads; we're here to dismantle the rigged structure that's been crushing the working class for decades. We don't take sides, we take action." Other boycotts since February 28 have targeted Amazon, Nestle, Walmart and General Mills. Schwarz, who has more than 436,000 Instagram followers, took to the platform on Memorial Day to post a video invigorating like-minded individuals on what the group has already accomplished and what remains on its agenda. The video, titled "Time to Shut Down Target," encourages people "to hold the lines." "We already know Target is being boycotted, but they're not doing anything," Schwarz said. "They've had their chance. So, what we are doing between June 3 and June 9, we will be calling for the permanent boycott of Target. Shop anywhere else but Target, and I literally mean that. "If you got to shop at Walmart or Amazon, places we boycott, do it. Target needs to be shut down; this corporation needs to feel the full power of the people. All thsoe other corporations out there manipulating us will feel the full power. Stand in solidarity, the only thing we have is each other." Black individuals have also boycotted Target for their DEI policies and claimed lack of financial investment in their communities. Reverend Jamal Bryant, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, initially led a Target boycott during the Lenten season coined "Target Fast" in response to the company's elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles and lack of investment in Black-owned banks, businesses and education. "It's been absolutely phenomenal," Bryant told Newsweek on May 29. "It is the largest boycott by black people since the Montgomery bus boycott in its effectiveness. Over 200,000 people signed the [Target Fast] petition. "[It's great] to see over 2,000 churches to fall in alignment. To see the stock drop, to see the valuation drop, to see the CEO salary chopped, to see their foot traffic has dropped says that we've got amazing momentum and the wind to our back, and I really believe that a real civil rights movement is on the horizon." Bryant said Target Fast was borne out of Target's rescinding of DEI policies and the "reneging of their covenant to of the George Floyd family." "When we look at the bottom line of Black people spending $12 million a day in Target, we really felt that it was a betrayal," he said. "They made a covenant after George Floyd's murder, with no prompting, no rally, no protest and no pressure under their own devices. The CEO, Brian [Cornell] said that George Floyd could have been one of his employees. "For them to backpedal in such a speedy way, we thought that was a betrayal that could not be overlooked." He and supporters are now electronically boycotting Dollar General, aiming to overwhelm their systems with calls and emails, along with a social media campaign. Bryant said the brand, even with its 20,500-plus stores in 48 states and $40.6 billion in sales, is "swimming under the radar." "They have three times the stores of Target and Walmart combined, at about 21,000 around the country," he said. "They are in primarily impoverished communities. They're in rural areas of 20,000 or less. We ask for electronic in those rural areas because regrettably, for a lot of communities, that's their only option for groceries. There's no Publix, there's no Giant. "They've taken up that land space and $40 billion in profit, and Dollar General has never given to a Black institution; never given to a Black college; never given to a Black organization. They have no relationship with the Black Farmers Association. You can't just take our dollars and take our dignity at the same time." What People Are Saying Target told Newsweek in May: "We are absolutely dedicated to fostering inclusivity for everyone—our team members, our guests and our supply partners. To do that, we're focusing on what we do best: providing the best retail experience for the more than 2,000 communities we're proud to serve." Walmart told Newsweek in May: "As one of the largest corporate taxpayers in the country, not only do we pay our fair share, we are an economic force multiplier strengthening communities nationwide through job creation, supplier growth, and over $1.7 billion in cash and in-kind donations last remain dedicated to earning the business of all Americans and giving our time and resources to causes that uplift and unite communities who rely on us every day." John Schwarz, in an Instagram post during the first Amazon boycott: "Every boycott, every blackout, every stand we take together is shaking their foundation. This moment isn't just about resistance, it's about reclaiming what's ours. Hold the line. Stay strong. The future is in our hands." What Happens Next Future efforts by The People's Union include an Independence Day boycott. It says more boycotts are being planned, with details to follow. Bryant said that boycott efforts across Black communities is an endeavor that escalated on Memorial Day and will at least for now continue until Labor Day, describing it as "the summer of our discontent." He is meeting with other community leaders to identify whether additional companies and brands should be boycotted as well. "We're we're hoping that before the summer ends that we'll have some resolve," he said.
