America’s most iconic fast food chain is the latest corporate giant under siege—this time from a growing populist movement demanding economic justice and corporate accountability.
Starting today, millions of Americans are being urged to boycott McDonald’s in a sweeping week-long protest backed by The People’s Union USA, the activist group behind recent nationwide campaigns against Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
“This is about more than burgers and fries,” declared John Schwarz, founder of the organization, in a fiery Instagram post on Saturday. “This is about power—and we’re taking it back.”
What’s Fueling the Boycott?
The campaign, which runs from June 24 to June 30, is part of The People’s Union’s ongoing “Economic Blackout Tour”—a coordinated effort to pressure corporations they accuse of exploiting workers and dodging accountability.
The group’s grievances against McDonald’s are multi-pronged:
- Low wages and anti-union tactics
- “Performative” diversity policies with no real impact
- Corporate lobbying history
- Alleged complicity in global conflict zones
McDonald’s has been targeted by various activist groups in the past year, including pro-Palestinian organizers accusing the company of supporting the Israeli military by way of franchise relationships in the region.
“Enough is enough,” Schwarz posted. “When we hit their wallets, they’ll finally be forced to listen. Let them feel the loss.”
Who’s Behind the Push?
The People’s Union USA bills itself as a grassroots coalition for working-class empowerment, demanding fair wages, honest taxation, and corporate transparency. Founded in early 2024, the group rose to national attention by organizing “economic blackout days,” when members are told to spend nothing—no streaming, no shopping, no fast food.
“We’re not just saying ‘don’t go to McDonald’s,’” Schwarz told followers in a livestream Monday night. “We’re telling people to support their local diners and food trucks instead. This is economic resistance—not just a protest.”
What’s McDonald’s Saying?
So far, McDonald’s has remained mostly silent. Repeated media requests for comment have gone unanswered.
However, CEO Chris Kempczinski acknowledged earlier this year that geopolitical tensions were affecting the brand. In a January 2024 LinkedIn post, he called the backlash “disheartening and ill-founded,” particularly in response to criticism coming from Middle Eastern markets.
McDonald’s has also made moves in the past to distance itself from anti-labor lobbying. In a 2019 letter leaked to Politico, Vice President Genna Gent promised the company would no longer use corporate resources to oppose minimum wage increases.
But organizers say those efforts are “window dressing.”
“They say the right thing when the heat’s on,” said Schwarz, “but nothing changes for the workers behind the counter.”
What Comes Next?
This is just the beginning, according to organizers.
A massive economic blackout is planned for July 4, meant to send a message on what they call “Independence from Corporate Greed Day.” Starbucks, Amazon, and Home Depot are also being targeted for July boycotts, with McDonald’s scheduled for another round of protests in August alongside Walmart and Lowe’s.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t just a boycott—it’s a movement. And whether Americans are willing to skip the drive-thru could be a key test of how far this new wave of economic activism can go.
“We’re tired of waiting for change,” Schwarz said. “Now we’re demanding it. One dollar at a time.”
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Only weak minded fool would let someone (non-medical) else tell them what/when to eat.
this is how you force higher wages, better benefits, etc.
This company has provided tens of thousands of young people with their first jobs, teaching skills sadly not taught in today’s homes or educational institutions … skills and discipline which have groomed them for success in later life.
The malcontents in the world just can’t stomach the success of other people, given their abject failure in life and would do almost anything to sabotage those institutions and organizations which implement the success of others in society.
Some people pay tens of thousands for their education. McDonald’s pays young people $15 an hour while at the same time giving them some early vocational education.