The stage is set for the ” Economic Blackout” on February 28th, a boycott against rising prices and corporate policies in the United States. Organized by “The People’s Union USA,” the event calls on consumers not to make any purchases from large chains, including food and beverages, neither online nor at large physical stores.
The protest was created with the express purpose of targeting big business and raising awareness about inflation, high living costs, and economic inequality. The People’s Union USA says it has no political affiliation, but focuses on “fairness, economic justice and real systemic change.” John Schwarz, founder of the movement, said in a video posted on his Instagram account, “on Feb. 28, we will have a 24-hour economic blackout: no Amazon, no Walmart, no fast food, no gas, not a single unnecessary dollar spent…for one day, we will finally turn the tables.”
Supporters protesting what they call “corporate greed” have spread the news of the event online, aiming to boycott mega-chains in particular, even specifying for some of them the dates from which to refrain from shopping. Specifically they mention Walmart, from which supporters will not buy products from April 7 to 14, Amazon from March 7 to 14, Nestlé from March 21 to 28, and then Target, Ford, and McDonald’s, especially after the abolition of DEI (diversity, equity & inclusion) programs following Trump’s decree.
The protest comes at a time when price increases have drastically affected various sectors and products such as food, gas, housing, utilities. The cost of eggs in particular has soared, a staple food that had already risen by an average of $4.95 per dozen in January.
