Walmart boycott begins today: Everything you need to know as organiser issues update
Walmart Boycott Begins: People’s Union USA Takes Action Against Corporate Decisions on DEI
On April 7, 2025, the People’s Union USA launched a week-long boycott of Walmart. This boycott targets the company’s controversial decision to eliminate its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. As more companies remove or scale back these programs, the People’s Union USA has responded with this bold move, aiming to hold Walmart accountable. Their efforts have gained traction, particularly from advocacy groups who believe that this action undermines social progress.
John Schwartz, a representative from the People’s Union USA, voiced his discontent with Walmart’s decision. He explained in an interview with Newsweek, “We’re boycotting Walmart because they’ve become the symbol of everything that’s wrong with corporate power in this country… Our mission is simple: we want these corporations to start paying their fair share of taxes, so the American people can finally be relieved of the burden of federal income tax.”
Why the Walmart Boycott Is Happening: DEI Decisions at the Core
At the heart of the boycott is Walmart’s decision to eliminate its DEI initiatives. These programs were designed to foster diversity, promote inclusivity, and ensure fair opportunities for all employees. However, Walmart’s move to scale back these programs has ignited outrage. Critics see it as a step backward, particularly after many companies made strides toward diversity and inclusion in recent years.
The People’s Union USA believes that Walmart’s decision is just one example of how corporate greed and political influence are eroding progress. They argue that companies like Walmart prioritize their financial gains over the well-being of their employees and the public. According to Schwartz, these corporations undermine efforts to create a fair and inclusive society for all people.
Walmart Boycott Update: Economic Impact and Consequences
The boycott isn’t confined to Walmart’s physical retail stores. The People’s Union USA has called on consumers to avoid all Walmart services, including its online shopping, mobile apps, and affiliate platforms. This includes Walmart’s private label brands, financial services, pharmacy services, grocery delivery, and warehouse clubs. By targeting the full spectrum of Walmart’s business, the boycott seeks to make a meaningful economic impact.
Schwartz emphasized the power of consumers to drive change. He noted, “We fund their success. And we can shift our money to local businesses or simply choose not to shop at all, anytime we want.” This boycott represents a strategic attempt to show Walmart and other corporations that their decisions have consequences. The group hopes to send a clear message: corporations must respect their customers and contribute to social progress, not just profits.
The Political Landscape and Corporate Accountability
The People’s Union USA’s boycott of Walmart also highlights the broader political landscape shaping corporate decisions. Many corporations have rolled back their DEI programs in response to the current political environment. The Trump administration dismantled federal DEI initiatives, which many critics view as a turning point. Since then, several major companies, including Walmart, Meta, and Amazon, have followed suit, scaling back or eliminating their DEI efforts.
For many advocates, this shift represents a betrayal of the progress achieved under previous administrations. As companies backtrack on their diversity initiatives, marginalized communities struggle to gain fair representation and equal opportunities. This growing trend worries those who feel that political and corporate interests are undermining efforts to create more inclusive work environments.
A Nationwide Movement: What’s Next for the Walmart Boycott?
As the boycott progresses, Schwartz encourages more consumers and activists to join the movement. He posted an update on TikTok, urging people to stay committed. “To those fighting the fight, this Monday we begin the Walmart blackout. Seven days no shopping, no orders, nothing,” Schwartz said. His statement emphasizes the collective power of the boycott and reassures participants that this action is strategic, not rooted in hate.
Schwartz continued, “This movement is not against the people. It is for them. We lift each other up, we protect our communities, and we show the giants that we’re not afraid to fight back.” His words capture the essence of the boycott, which calls for solidarity and resistance against corporate greed.
The success of the boycott depends on its ability to mobilize people and make a significant impact on Walmart’s revenue. If enough people participate, Walmart may reconsider its stance on DEI programs. While the boycott is scheduled to last seven days, organizers hope it will inspire similar actions across other companies that have rolled back their own social responsibility initiatives.
Conclusion: A Call for Corporate Accountability and Social Progress
The Walmart boycott is more than just a protest against one company. It has become a symbol of growing frustration with corporate power and its influence on social and political issues. The People’s Union USA aims to challenge corporate greed, promote social equality, and hold companies accountable for their decisions.
Whether the boycott achieves its goals remains to be seen, but it has already sparked an important conversation about the power of corporations in shaping the future of society. The message is loud and clear: if companies want the support of their customers, they must respect the values of fairness, equality, and inclusion. This boycott is just the beginning of a wider movement demanding corporate accountability and social responsibility.
