The fast-food giant McDonald’s is currently facing a major nationwide boycott in the United States, drawing attention from media, activists, and everyday consumers. Here’s a look at why this boycott is happening, who’s behind it, and what it could mean for the future of corporate accountability.
Who Is Leading the McDonald’s Boycott?
The boycott is being organized by The People’s Union USA, a grassroots activist group led by John Schwarz. This group has previously targeted other big corporations like Amazon, Walmart, and Target with similar “economic blackout” campaigns. Their mission is to expose what they call “corruption and exploitation” in major companies and to hold them accountable through organized economic action.
When Is the Boycott Happening?
The McDonald’s boycott started on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, and will continue through Sunday, June 30, 2025. During this week, supporters are urged not to spend any money at McDonald’s, including online orders.
Why Are People Boycotting McDonald’s?
The People’s Union USA has outlined several main reasons for the boycott:
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Tax Avoidance: The group alleges that McDonald’s uses loopholes and offshore tax havens to pay less in taxes than its own minimum wage workers.
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High Prices: Many customers have noticed that McDonald’s menu prices have surged nearly 40% in recent years, even as the company reports record profits. Activists call this price gouging, especially hard on lower and middle-income families.
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Labor Practices: The company is accused of using franchise structures to avoid accountability for working conditions, lobbying against wage increases, and suppressing union efforts.
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DEI Rollbacks: McDonald’s recently rolled back some of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which activists say undermines real progress toward equality. Earlier this year, McDonald’s rebranded its DEI team and dropped certain diversity goals, citing legal and political pressures.
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Environmental and Supply Chain Concerns: The group also points to issues like deforestation, labor abuse, and unsustainable agriculture practices linked to McDonald’s global supply chain.
“This is about more than burgers and fries. This is about power. When we unite and hit corporations in their wallets, they listen,” said John Schwarz, founder of The People’s Union USA.
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How Has McDonald’s Responded?
McDonald’s has publicly expressed disappointment about the boycott, stating its commitment to inclusion and highlighting its economic impact in communities. However, as of now, the company has not announced any major changes to its policies or pricing in direct response to the protest. No McDonald’s locations have shut down due to the boycott.
What’s the Impact So Far?
It’s too early to say if the boycott will have a lasting effect on McDonald’s bottom line. Organizing large-scale boycotts is difficult, and past efforts against other companies have had mixed results. However, McDonald’s is already dealing with declining sales and increased scrutiny over its business practices, so this boycott comes at a challenging time for the brand.
What Happens Next?
The People’s Union USA has called for additional boycotts against other major companies and is encouraging consumers to support small businesses instead of big chains. They say this is just the beginning of a broader movement for corporate accountability and real justice for workers and communities.
Conclusion
The McDonald’s boycott is a clear sign that consumers are increasingly willing to use their spending power to demand change from large corporations. Whether or not this particular protest leads to lasting reforms, it’s obvious that issues like fair wages, corporate taxes, and real diversity efforts are not going away any time soon. And maybe, just maybe, big companies will have to start listening a bit more closely to the people who buy their burgers and fries.