Fast food behemoth McDonald’s is the newest target of a national boycott campaign led by The People’s Union USA, an organization fighting for what it refers to as ‘economic resistance’ to force corporations to be more accountable and bring about justice for the working class.
The group has urged Americans not to buy anything from McDonald’s from June 24 through June 30 as part of their continuing ‘Economic Blackout Tour’. The campaign is calling on consumers to not spend money in big corporations to protest labor exploitation, tax evasion, and cuts in diversity and inclusion programs.
McDonald’s is the latest big name to be boycotted by the same group that has already boycotted Target, Walmart, and Amazon this year. The People’s Union USA, which describes itself as ‘a grassroots movement committed to economic resistance, corporate accountability, and genuine justice for the working class’, has been operating since February to conduct boycotts and encourage individuals to shop locally rather than corporate chains.
The leader of the group, John Schwarz, feels that a ‘permanent boycott’ might compel corporations to ‘feel the full force of the people’.
Continuous BDS Movement Boycott
This is not the only boycott McDonald’s currently faces. The corporation has been under threat by the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement since late 2023 due to purported support of Israeli military operations in Gaza. The international campaign accused McDonald’s of being complicit, gaining backlash from pro-Palestinian communities.
Issues Alleviated Against McDonald’s
On its website, The People’s Union USA lists several issues with the fast-food company, including ‘tax avoidance and known lobbying against wage increases’. These acts, the organization says, are increasing broader inequality and labor injustice.
In recent months, the organization has denounced retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target for monopolistic practices, underpayment of employees, and other exploitative tactics. They’ve also asked consumers to join in on ‘economic blackouts’, wherein they’re urged to abstain from all commercial spending from streaming services to fast food and patronize local businesses instead.
Looking ahead, The People’s Union USA has announced more actions throughout the summer. A major boycott is planned for Independence Day, followed by month-long campaigns targeting Home Depot, Amazon, and Starbucks in July, and then McDonald’s, Walmart, and Lowe’s in August.