McDonald’s Faces Week‑Long Boycott
Why? What is going on with the McDonald’s Boycott?
The People’s Union USA is urging a boycott of McDonald’s this week.
They cite rolled-back DEI initiatives, price gouging, worker exploitation, and declining U.S. sales.
McDonald’s denies gouging, saying prices are set by franchisees.
Activist group The People’s Union USA has launched a week-long boycott of McDonald’s starting June 24, 2025, calling out the company for dismantling its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI goals ); imposing high menu prices; and exploitative labor practices.
No violent or safety incidents have been reported ~ the action is intended to hit McDonald’s profit and public image.
This comes amid a broader wave of corporate protests following the rollback of DEI across multiple industries earlier this year.
A Brief History With Sources
U.S. consumer activism grows as rollback of DEI policies intensifies:
- DEI cutbacks trace back to the federal repeal of diversity programs under Trump earlier this year.
- Similar boycotts have targeted Target, Walmart, Amazon, Nestlé and others.
- The People’s Union USA, founded by John Schwarz, spearheaded these movements.
More context: These sources trace the broader DEI rollback and boycott cycle:
June 2025: How Did We Get Here?
Fall 2024 ~ E. coli Outbreak
McDonald’s faced an E. coli contamination in its Quarter Pounder patties, prompting a recall and damaging consumer trust.
February 28, 2025 ~ Economic Blackout
The People’s Union USA organized a 24-hour countrywide “Economic Blackout” against companies rolling back DEI policies, including Amazon, Walmart, Target and McDonald’s.
March 28, 2025 ~ Follow-up Boycott
They announced a repeat “Economic Blackout” aimed at the same corporations, again targeting DEI rollback.
January 7, 2025 ~ DEI Rollback & Franchise Lawsuit
McDonald’s officially scaled back DEI efforts, dropping targets like leadership representation goals and supplier diversity commitments.
June 23, 2025 ~ Week-Long Boycott Initiated
People’s Union USA announces boycott, citing “false DEI promises,” worker mistreatment, tax evasion, and price hikes.
On the 24th, Over 40 Black ex-franchisees filed a lawsuit claiming systemic racial discrimination and joined the boycott.
No reported injuries or safety issues.
No named operation ~ just a broad boycott.
Schwarz said in social media:
Official response:
McDonald’s claims core DEI commitments remain, denies price-gouging, and says its franchisees set prices.
Why This Boycott Fits A Larger Pattern
This isn’t just a fast food protest. It’s part of a larger wave of consumer activism pushing back on major U.S. corporations:
- Financial pressure: Boycotts aim to hit McDonald’s margins at a critical time ~ U.S. same-store sales have declined.
- DEI implications: If consumer backlash grows, companies might think twice before reversing inclusion policies.
- Worker rights spotlight: Raises questions about labor practices, wages and union blocking ~ spotlighting fast food labor conditions.
Could this escalate into union-led campaigns?
Will McDonald’s reverse course, or dig in?
Will franchisees react if U.S. sales dip?