A nationwide economic boycott is being promoted for Friday by the grassroots organization The People's Union USA. The 24-hour effort is the latest move in the organization's attempt to draw attention to the influence of big money in America, including that of wealthy individuals, corporations, and political parties.
The mission of the group, according to its website, is "We are not a political party. We are not a protest. We are a movement of people, unionizing to take back control of our economy, government, and future of our country."
The focus of the spending boycott is to make only necessary purchases for 24 hours. Guidance from the group to supporters is to refrain from spending on "fast food, gas, major retailers, and do not use credit or debit cards for nonessential spending."
Group organizer John Schwarz said in a video posted on Instagram, "Tomorrow we make history. Tomorrow we remind them who really holds the power."
Schwarz also told supporters, "The system is rigged, and we are the only ones who can fix it. And make no mistake, we are already making an impact. The media is watching. The corporations are watching. And you know the government is watching. They see us. Without us, nothing moves. Without us, there is no profit. And this is just the beginning."
"February 28 is a symbolic start to economic resistance, a day where we show corporations and politicians that we control the economy," the organization says on its website.
The initiative arrives as consumers are growing weary of inflation, which has caused prices on goods and services in the U.S. to rise a cumulative 21.3% over the past four years.
The People’s Union USA also stands firmly with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and calls the rollback of such initiatives "regressive and unacceptable." However, the group says its current economic blackout is not directly about DEI, but it has called out specific companies like Target and Walmart for ending it.
The group has plans to expand its boycotts with even longer economic blockades aimed at specific companies, as reported by The Associated Press.
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