A coordinated three-day boycott known as Economic Blackout 2.0, led by the grassroots group The People’s Union USA, began Friday across the United States.
The action calls on consumers to pause all spending at major corporations through Easter Sunday, April 20, in response to what organizers describe as systemic corporate exploitation and disregard for workers’ rights.
According to Newsweek, the blackout is part of a broader protest movement targeting economic inequality and corporate power. Organizers are urging the public to recognize their influence as consumers and use this symbolic act to shift attention toward fairer economic practices and accountability.
Campaign Targets Corporate Behavior and Inequality
The blackout seeks to challenge what organizers describe as corporate practices that prioritize profits over workers’ rights. According to The People’s Union USA, the movement is a peaceful and strategic action aimed at restoring balance between consumer influence and corporate accountability.
“The second economic blackout on April 18th, 19th, and 20th is about one thing, power,” said John Schwarz, founder of The People’s Union USA, in an interview with Newsweek.
“The power of the people to say enough. We’re raising awareness not just for our organization, but for the larger truth that most Americans already feel… and that is these corporations do not pay their fair share in taxes. They exploit families, crush small businesses, and continue to profit off inequality and economic control.”
Schwarz added :
“This blackout is a peaceful, powerful reminder that we are the economy. Without our spending, without our participation, these systems don’t move.”
“We’re not asking for chaos, we’re asking people to think, to step back, and to realize how much power they already have. The more people who stand together, the louder the message becomes.”
“It’s time they understand, the people are organized, awake, and no longer willing to be ignored.”
Boycott Emphasizes Support for Local Businesses
The campaign runs from 12:00 a.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday. Participants are encouraged to avoid all purchases—both online and in person—at national retailers. This includes not only retail shopping but also grocery purchases, gas, and takeout from chain restaurants.
Companies explicitly mentioned by organizers include Amazon, Walmart, CVS, and Starbucks. While the movement avoids formally endorsing any alternatives, some participants have cited Costco, Aldi, and Trader Joe’s as relatively acceptable options due to more favorable labor and DEI policies.
The campaign emphasizes redirection rather than elimination of spending:
“The boycott specifically exempts small, local businesses,” said Michael Ryan, a finance expert and founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com.
Corporate and Political Systems Under Scrutiny
On its official site, The People’s Union USA published a statement outlining its broader critique of the economic system:
“Mega corporations have driven up prices, underpaid their workers, and outsourced jobs while raking in record profits. Banks and financial institutions have trapped generations in debt, inflating interest rates and making homeownership nearly impossible.”
“Politicians ‘both left and right’ have accepted corporate bribes, passed laws that serve billionaires, and ignored the needs of the people they claim to represent. The system has been designed to keep us powerless, but that ends now.”
The blackout, according to its organizers, is intended as a grassroots reminder that economic decisions made by the public carry significant weight, especially when collective action is involved.
Measuring Impact and Expert Perspectives
While economic analysts remain cautious, some suggest that combined with ongoing financial stress, the boycott could influence consumer behavior patterns.
“Day-to-day financial pressures still drive most purchasing decisions,” said Owen Braun, head of client analytics at Cardlytics.
“But it’s possible that this weekend’s boycott, coupled with ongoing economic uncertainty, could have a more substantial impact on how consumers spend their money.”
A Wider Movement With Future Actions
Although prior efforts have struggled to create long-term change, observers see potential in consistent and expanding campaigns.
“I’ve watched consumer movements come and go for years, and while this three-day action won’t collapse any corporate titans, it’s the pattern that matters,”said Michael Ryan.”
The People’s Union USA plans further actions throughout the spring and summer. These include:
- General Mills boycott : April 21–28
- Amazon boycott : May 6–12
- Walmart boycott : May 20–26
Each blackout is promoted not as an end in itself, but as a continuation of a consumer-led challenge to corporate influence.
