A growing movement in the United States is encouraging citizens to make a bold statement by ceasing all economic activity for 24 hours. This call, spread through social media and various platforms, is aimed at disrupting the economic order and demanding change.
This article appeared on Northeast Valley News, detailing how a consumer activist group, People’s Union USA, is rallying people to join in this economic protest. Participants are being urged to abstain from spending money, whether online or in-store, for an entire day—creating what the group is calling an Economic Blackout.
February 28: A Day of Collective Action
The organisation behind the boycott is calling for February 28 to be a day of economic disruption. For 24 hours, the goal is for Americans to refrain from using credit cards or purchasing goods. The organisers hope that this act of collective consumer restraint will serve as a powerful statement against the economic policies they oppose.
The protest is rooted in a growing dissatisfaction with governmental budget cuts and the influence of private corporations who some critics argue are reshaping policies to the detriment of the American public. Supporters believe that economic action, like this boycott, is an effective way to send a clear message to those in power.
The Boycott: A Wider Campaign
While February 28 is the focal point, the movement has plans to extend beyond a one-day protest. Following the initial boycott, People’s Union USA has announced a series of week-long protests targeting major corporations:
- Amazon (March 7–14)
- Nestlé (March 21–28)
- Walmart (April 7–13)
Alongside this, a 40-day boycott of Target is planned, spearheaded by Black faith leaders who are protesting the company’s recent rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
A Protest Against Economic Inequality
The driving force behind the Economic Blackout is a deep-seated belief that the current economic system is skewed in favour of the “wealthy elite”. Many of those supporting the boycott view the recent actions by the Trump administration and Musk’s influence as contributing to rising inequality.
“They’ve rigged the system, lined their pockets, and kept us in a constant state of struggle,” a statement from the group reads. People’s Union USA insists that their efforts are not aligned with any political party but instead focus on uniting individuals to challenge economic exploitation and the influence of corporate power.
“They have rigged the system. They have lined their pockets while we work harder, we struggle more, and we fight for the bare minimum,” said an activist in an Instagram video.
The organisation insists that their efforts are not aligned with any political party but instead focus on uniting individuals to challenge economic exploitation and the influence of corporate power.
Impact and Future of Economic Activism
While it remains unclear how much of a financial impact the February 28 boycott will have on major corporations, the movement has undeniably sparked important conversations about the power of consumer activism.
Historically, economic protests have succeeded in pushing for social change, but the success of this initiative will depend on how many people participate and whether the boycott can sustain long-term momentum.
