Latest news with #ThePeople'sUnionUSA
Newsweek
10 hours ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Nationwide Walmart Boycott Planned For August 1: 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. A nationwide boycott of Walmart, organized by The People's Union USA, is scheduled to begin August 1 and last throughout the month, with the group calling for Americans to halt spending at the retail giant. Newsweek has reached out to Walmart via an online contact form for comment. Why it Matters This latest announcement follows a series of consumer-led economic boycotts following the re-election of President Donald Trump in January. A Walmart sign is displayed outside a Supercenter on November 18, 2024 in Miami, Florida. A Walmart sign is displayed outside a Supercenter on November 18, 2024 in Miami, boycotts have been spearheaded by progressive groups who have expressed a number of concerns over issues including company tax avoidance and workers' rights, in addition to backlash over companies scaling back diversity hiring commitments. What To Know The People's Union USA, led by John Schwartz, known online as TheOneCalledJai is leading the boycott action. The People's Union encourages consumers, where possible, to redirect purchases to small, independent businesses or to delay nonessential shopping for the duration of the boycott. The mission statement from The People's Union USA states: "We are not a political party. We are not a protest. We are a movement of people, organizing to take back control of our economy, government and future of our country." It's not the first time that The People's Union USA has specifically taken action against Walmart. In an April statement about a previous boycott, Schwartz told Newsweek, "We're boycotting Walmart because they've become the symbol of everything that's wrong with corporate power in this country... Our mission is simple, we want these corporations to start paying their fair share of taxes so the American people can finally be relieved of the burden of federal income tax." Unions and advocacy groups are encouraging individuals to vote with their money. Consumer boycotts can have a varied impact on companies. A recent study has shown that there is a significant amount of support for consumer boycotts among Americans, particularly young Americans. A survey from Lending Tree found that 31 percent of U.S. consumers say they have boycotted a business in the past, with Gen Zers being the most likely to participate in a boycott at 37 percent. What People Are Saying Walmart, in an April statement shared with Newsweek: "Serving communities is at the heart of Walmart's purpose to help people save money and live better. 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 year, equal to 8 percent of our profit before tax, supporting local charities and causes such as disaster response, hunger relief, workforce development, and conservation. "We 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." What Happens Next Boycotts of Lowe's and McDonald's are also planned for August. Boycotts of Amazon, Uber, and Pepsi Co. are planned for September.
Miami Herald
30-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Home Depot, Amazon, Starbucks suffer major boycott from customers
Over the past few months, social and political tensions across the country have heightened as prices increase in stores due to inflation and tariffs, more workers unionize to fight for fair wages, and companies nationwide cut diversity, equity, and inclusion policies out of the picture. Amid these changes, consumer outrage against companies has increasingly manifested in the form of boycotts, which pose a major threat to sales and profits. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter According to a recent survey from CLYDE/Ipsos, 53% of Americans said that if a company takes a stand on an issue they disagree with, they are less likely to buy their products or use their services. Related: McDonald's to suffer massive boycott from customers Target, Walmart, Amazon, and McDonald's are some of the major companies that have all recently suffered consumer boycotts over their views or how they operate their business. Most of these efforts have been organized by a group called The People's Union USA, which has been organizing weeklong boycotts of large corporations since February. According to the group's website, it aims to "expose corruption and exploitation" and "hold corporations accountable" through these boycotts. "We're building a people-powered force that's not just pushing back, but preparing to take power back from the corporations, the billionaire class, and the political parasites that have been feeding off our work, our wages, and our rights for far too long," said The People's Union USA on its website. Now, the group is focused on three major companies: Amazon (AMZN) , Starbucks (SBUX) , and Home Depot (HD) . The People's Union USA is urging consumers to boycott these three companies for the full month of July. In a recent Instagram post, The People's Union USA founder John Schwarz said the group is organizing a boycott against Amazon because of how it treats workers during Amazon Prime Day sales events and its founder's alleged minimal tax payments. "Behind those illusionary deals are workers who are suffering," said Schwarz. "They are working in extreme heat, on their feet, with no time to breathe. They are pushing their bodies to the limit so Jeff Bezos can throw a multi-million-dollar wedding in Venice. Now that is not success, that is a disconnect. That is a man getting rich while the people making it possible are being pushed to the edge while they barely make a livable wage. And Jeff Bezos makes over $7 million per hour and pays 1.1% in taxes." Related: Target faces another massive boycott from customers He also said that Starbucks is "no better" than Amazon due to the coffee chain's recent conflicts with its unionized workers. For example, last year, Starbucks faced a multi-day strike from over 5,000 baristas at 300 of its U.S. stores. "Starbucks is no better," said Schwarz. "They talk about community and values, but they actually fire workers who are trying to organize and unionize. They have literally shut down entire stores the second that people start coming together to organize. Starbucks does not want their employees to have a voice, and that should tell you everything right there." Schwarz said that the group is also targeting Home Depot due to its decision in March to quietly remove its DEI page from its website. "And then there's Home Depot," said Schwarz. "They quietly erased their diversity, equity, and inclusion page, as if standing for fairness or for equality or for representation was something to be ashamed of. That was a choice, and they made it loud and clear." The monthlong boycott comes during a time when Home Depot and Starbucks have recently suffered from decreased consumer demand. In Home Depot's first quarter earnings report for 2025, it revealed that its U.S. comparable sales increased by only 0.2% year-over-year during the quarter. Also, recent data from found that Home Depot's visits per location were down by 4.2% year-over-year during the first few months of the year. More Retail: Costco quietly plans to offer a convenient service for customersT-Mobile pulls the plug on generous offer, angering customersAT&T makes generous offer to older customers During the same quarter, Starbucks' U.S. comparable store sales dipped by 1% year-over-year as transactions declined by 4%. Even though Amazon saw its U.S. sales increase significantly during the first quarter, the online retail giant is already facing the threat of President Donald Trump's tariffs raising prices on its website, which could scare away customers. Related: Home Depot struggles to reverse concerning customer behavior The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
July 4 boycott calls for no parades, no fireworks shows, no flags
Another nationwide boycott is on the way. This time, it happens on the upcoming July 4th holiday and is considered "the most important boycott of the year" by the organizer. The People's Union USA, the same advocacy group behind several boycotts of major retailers such as Target, Walmart, and most recently McDonald's, is calling for another boycott to take place on the most patriotic day of the year. Unlike the previous economic blackout spending pauses, the group urges participants to avoid parades, fireworks shows and more on America's birthday. Here's what to know about the upcoming Independence Day boycott. Instead of attending parades or celebrating with fireworks, John Schwarz, founder of The People's Union USA, encourages participants to stay home with family and friends, and to only support small, local businesses rather than major corporations. The organizer also discouraged in-person protests on July 4 linked to the upcoming boycott since it comes shortly after the massive "No Kings" protests that took place on June 14. "This isn't about standing in the streets. It's about pulling away our presence and our dollars," Schwarz wrote on Instagram. Schwarz cited recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests, corporate actions, backlash against protests, and current Trump administration policies as reasons for the upcoming boycott in a recent TikTok video. "There is no independence to celebrate right now," Schwarz said in the TikTok video. "This year, we don't show up. We don't protest in the streets. We don't clash with the police. We simply disengage." Previous boycotts, including the most recent McDonald's economic blackout, were created in response to corporations' rollback of DEI initiatives as well as other grievances. Other major retailers such as Target and Walmart have also been at the center of boycotts led by The People's Union USA. The boycotts have lasted anywhere from 24 hours to one week. In a separate post, The People's Union USA plans to launch a month-long boycott of Amazon, Starbucks, and The Home Depot (which notably rolled back its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives from its website, The Independent reports) for the entire month of July. More boycotts are in the works this summer, according to USA TODAY: July 4: Economic blackout July 1-31: Boycott of Starbucks, Amazon and Home Depot August 1-31: Boycott of Walmart, McDonald's and Lowe's Target, one of the main companies on the receiving end of The People's Union USA boycotts, noted that the company has taken a hit this year, both to its reputation and its earnings. According to previous Arizona Republic reporting, Target acknowledged in its 10-K filing for fiscal year 2024 how changes to its DEI policies may have led to "adverse perceptions of our business, consumer boycotts, litigation, investigations, and regulatory proceedings." First quarter net sales also fell short at $23.8 billion, compared with $24.5 billion in 2024, according to Target's Q1 earnings report. Walmart, another retailer on the boycott list, previously told USA TODAY that it is "strengthening communities nationwide through job creation, supplier growth, and over $1.7 billion in cash and in-kind donations last year" when responding to the boycotts in April. "We 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." While McDonald's hasn't issued a public statement regarding the recent boycotts, the fast food chain has felt financial pressure, having reported a sales decline in the first quarter despite changes to its menu and meal deals. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: July 4 boycott calls for no parades, no fireworks shows and no flags
The Hill
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Hill
McDonald's responds to calls for boycott: ‘Misleading claims'
(NEXSTAR) – McDonald's has issued a response to a call for customers to boycott restaurants over its rollback of previous DEI initiatives, among other criticisms lodged by an activism group known as The People's Union USA. The boycott, or 'economic blackout' as it's being called by organizers, is intended to run June 24-30. The People's Union USA said it's targeting McDonald's in part over 'false DEI promises,' founder John Schwarz alleges on social media. 'They practice performative DEI with no meaningful change,' he wrote. Schwarz also accused McDonald's of exploiting tax loopholes and supporting politicians who 'threaten democracy,' among other allegations. On Tuesday, a McDonald's spokesperson responded to calls for an 'economic blackout' from The People's Union USA. 'As a brand that serves millions of people every day, McDonald's opens our doors to everyone, and our commitment to inclusion remains steadfast,' the company said. McDonald's also said its company 'generates billions in federal, state and local taxes annually, and we'll continue to pay our fair share.' 'We welcome honest dialogue with the communities we serve, but we're disappointed to see these misleading claims that distort our values and misrepresent our actions,' McDonald's wrote. 'Our focus remains on serving our customers and communities. We're here and ready to serve.' Schwarz, in a video posted Tuesday, appeared to dismiss those notions. 'This is not about fast food. This is about the power of the people,' Schwarz said. 'This is about sending a message to corporations who think they can get away with price gouging, tax dodging, inequality, corporations that pretend to support the people while doing absolutely nothing that truly benefits the people.' McDonald's had rolled back some of its commitments to its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in January, ending programs that set goals for diversity among leadership, or encouraged suppliers to begin diversity training, the Associated Press reported. At the time, McDonald's had pointed to a 'shifting legal landscape' after the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling that universities could not consider race during the admissions processes. McDonald's executive Jourdan Nunn, meanwhile, claimed just this month at a human resources conference in Chicago that inclusion efforts at McDonald's remain unchanged 'at the core' despite the company stepping back from DEI initiatives, Bloomberg reported. In addition to McDonald's, the People's Union USA has also attempted to organize economic blackouts against companies and brands such as Amazon, Walmart, Nestle and General Mills.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
McDonald's boycott kicks off in California, across US. Here's why the restaurant is targeted
A McDonald's boycott is planned for June 24-30, the latest in a string of boycotts organized by the grassroots advocacy group The People's Union USA. Led by John Schwarz, The People's Union began organizing boycotts of specific companies in late February. Although their blackouts started at a similar time as other boycotts targeting companies that rolled back diversity, equity and inclusion programs, Schwarz told The Arizona Republic that the actions of The People's Union USA are influenced, but not caused by, companies' DEI stances. "The mission of The People's Union USA is to hold corporations and corrupt systems accountable, not with violence or empty promises, but with the one thing that actually affects them, the money we spend," Schwarz said via email. In a June 19 Instagram post, Schwarz laid out a series of reasons for the boycott. "They practice performative DEI with no meaningful change. They prioritize profit over people, community, and truth," the list stated. "They exploit tax loopholes and do not pay their fair share." McDonald's is one of over 30 companies that have rolled back DEI policies after the Supreme Court's ruling striking down affirmative action. The company dropped "aspirational representation goals," stopped external diversity surveys and changed the name of its diversity team to "Global Inclusion Team," according to a Jan. 6 memo. In 2022, McDonald's paid $1.3 billion to settle a tax dispute in France that alleged the company had illegally diverted income to other countries. The source of the boycotts: These 30 companies rolled back DEI policies, from Amazon to Victoria's Secret Schwarz shared a flyer on social media that lays out a series of upcoming boycotts: July 4: Economic blackout July 1-31: Boycott of Starbucks, Amazon and Home Depot August 1 -31: Boycott of Walmart, McDonald's and Lowe's Reach the reporter at Follow @reia_reports on Instagram. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: McDonald's boycott 2025: Here's why people are boycotting, what's next
