On February 28, 2025, the People’s Union will lead a nationwide economic blackout, urging Americans to refrain from spending money at major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and Starbucks. This grassroots protest is set to highlight economic exploitation by these corporations, which the organization claims have manipulated workers and maintained excessive profits at their expense. According to the People’s Union, this event is not merely a protest but rather aims to shift power back to the people through collective economic resistance.
Founded by John Schwarz, known on social media as TheOneCalledJai, the People’s Union promotes the idea of uniting individuals to reclaim their power from corporate interests. Schwarz believes corporations have capitalized on economic woes, stating, "They raise prices because they can. They squeeze every dollar out of us because they can... We’re coming for all of them, and the boycotts will get longer and longer, and we will not stop until these corporations are forced to beg the government to pay their fair share..." His assertion aims to evoke solidarity among consumers disillusioned with rising prices and stagnant wages.
The economic blackout calls for participants to abstain from unnecessary purchases and engage only with local businesses if absolutely needed. This one-day event is framed as both a warning and the first step in what could be increased resistance against systemic exploitation. The narrative shared on the People's Union’s platforms suggests, "Every major shift in history started with one moment. One act of defiance... We are done waiting for politicians to fix what is broken." This stark message is meant to galvanize everyday consumers to take collective action against corporate greed.
Current economic conditions, marked by inflation reaching 3%, have cultivated public dissatisfaction with pricing strategies at large retailers. The current climate, exacerbated by rising living costs and stagnant wages, has encouraged many to actively seek change. The Conference Board reported sharp declines in consumer confidence, reflecting widespread concern among shoppers as they struggle to make ends meet. The People’s Union's action appears to reflect this rising anger, as more shoppers express their intent to "vote with their money" through boycotts.
Online discussions surrounding the economic blackout have swiftly gained momentum. For example, the term "economic blackout" spiked on Google trends, indicating significant interest and participation intent among average consumers. Previous initiatives have mirrored this sentiment, including campaigns like the annual “Buy Nothing Day” organized by Adbusters, which aimed to counteract consumerism and excessive spending post-Thanksgiving. While the methods may differ, the core message remains: individuals can effect change by adjusting their consumer habits.
On the ground, the reach of this blackout goes beyond mere spending stops; it taps directly at the heart of corporate policies being perceived as harmful to the average worker. Previous activism surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has already ignited opposition against retailers like Target, Walmart, and others as they perceived rollback of such policies. Activists and civil leaders are joining forces, marking this moment not just as consumer dissent but as significant societal pushback against corporate encroachment on social justice issues.
The People’s Union is planning even more boycotts beyond February’s blackout, including specific campaigns aimed at Amazon and Nestle. These actions demonstrate the organization's commitment to amplifying their message—if consumers band together and refuse to support these major corporations, they can create ripples of change large enough to be recognized by policymakers and business leaders alike. The union asserts, "If they ignore this one-day blackout? We escalate. We go longer. We go darker," aiming for persistent impact from the momentum gained on the initial blackout day.
Although doubts linger over the effectiveness of such protests, with experts pointing out the limited success of brief boycotts, history has shown us the power of collective action. Previous consumer movements have led to significant shifts, such as widespread corporate abandonment of business ties with Russia after public outcry following sanctions. The People’s Union’s economic blackout positions itself as not only about boycotting but as part of a broader social movement aiming for systemic change.
Finally, as American consumers prepare for February 28, the call to action is clear: if you want to change corporate behaviors and demand fair treatment, it starts with your ability to choose not to support them financially. Each dollar withheld from corporate giants sends a message—consumers hold innate power, and the economic blackout is just the beginning.