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By Jenna Sundel
News Reporter
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The organization behind a nationwide boycott of McDonald's that is set to start on Tuesday said the movement is "about more than burgers and fries."
As part of its ongoing "Economic Blackout Tour," The People's Union USA, the movement behind recent boycotts of Target and Walmart, is urging Americans to refrain from eating at the fast-food chain between June 24 and June 30.
"This is about power," the organization said in a post shared by its founder John Schwarz on Instagram on Saturday. "When we unite and hit corporations in their wallets, they listen."
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Newsweek has reached out to McDonald's 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 (DEI) 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.
What To Know
The People's Union USA describes itself 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 movement said it is demanding "fair taxes, an end to price gouging, real equality, and corporate accountability" through its upcoming boycott of McDonald's.
Last week, The People's Union USA accused McDonald's in an Instagram post of engaging in "performative DEI with no meaningful change." The movement also alleged that the company pays its workers low wages and suppresses workers' rights and union efforts.
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What People Are Saying
The People's Union USA in an Instagram post shared by founder John Schwarz: "This is a show of strength, solidarity, and people powered change. Let them feel it. Let them hear us. Let this be just the beginning."
Chris Kempczinski, chairman and CEO of McDonald's Corporation, in a January 2024 LinkedIn post: "I also recognize that several markets in the Middle East and some outside the region are experiencing a meaningful business impact due to the war and associated misinformation that is affecting brands like McDonald's. This is disheartening and ill-founded."
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 said it is planning an economic blackout for July 4, along with boycotts of Starbucks, Amazon and Home Depot throughout the month.
During the month of August, the movement is planning boycotts of Walmart, McDonald's and Lowe's.
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