McDonald’s boycott: Will locations shut down today? The key issues behind the protest

McDonald's is facing criticism as The People's Union USA leads a nationwide boycott of the fast-food giant. The goal of the campaign is to make the fast-food giant rethink its policies.

The People's Union USA, a grassroots advocacy group, has launched a week-long nationwide boycott of McDonald's, which will run from June 24 to June 30, bringing the fast food chain under increased scrutiny.

What sparked the McDonald’s boycott?

A plethora of allegations, including price gouging, tax evasion, unfair labour practices, and a recent reversal of the company's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, are the focus of the campaign, which is spearheaded by The People's Union USA, as per a report by NewFood magazine.



McDonald's was heavily criticized in January for reducing its DEI programs. McDonald's renamed its Diversity Team as the "Global Inclusion Team," discontinued participation in third-party workplace surveys, and dropped "aspirational representational goals" in hiring, as quoted in a report.

McDonald's has also faced significant criticism and legal ramifications in recent years due to its tax avoidance and known lobbying against wage increases.

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Continuing its "Economic Resistance" campaign, the People's Union USA is urging Americans to boycott the Golden Arches. They’re urging citizens to reevaluate their spending habits.

Who's behind the campaign?

People's Union USA is a group that advocates "economic resistance" as a means of attaining corporate accountability and "real justice for the working class.”

The People's Union USA is requesting that from June 24 to June 30, Americans refrain from dining at the restaurant chain. It points to corporate responsibility, tax evasion, and low wages. They want big businesses to pay their taxes and treat their workers fairly.

Under the pretense of improving policies, the People's Union contends that McDonald's actions are part of a larger corporate trend that reverses progress.

Since February, the People's Union has spearheaded boycotts against Amazon, Walmart, and Target besides more general "economic blackouts" that call on people to support small businesses in their communities rather than big-box stores, streaming services, and fast-food chains.

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The group said in an Instagram statement:

“This is about more than burgers and fries. This is about power. When we unite and hit corporations in their wallets, they listen.” “Profit matters more than people.”

Will locations shut down today?

McDonald's has not shut down any of its locations in the United States as a result of the boycott, despite all the commotion. They have not made any official announcements about closures or a reduction in operations.
However, the activists are urging people to boycott the chain from June 24 to June 30, as per a report.

Organizer and founder of the group John Schwarz stated, “Through price gouging, tax evasion, pay inequality, and advertising exploitation, McDonald's has repeatedly demonstrated that profit comes before people, which is why we are boycotting them,” as per a report by USA Today.

“And yes, their DEI efforts feel more like promotional stunts than real systemic change. We’re done funding companies that pretend to stand for something while doing nothing.”

FAQs

Why is McDonald's boycotted?
The boycott targets price increases, alleged tax avoidance, and cuts to diversity policies.

Will McDonald's locations close?
No, stores are still open, but activists are urging customers to stay away until June 30.