Economic Blackout Planned for Friday Feb. 28

Americans are being encouraged to participate in an “economic blackout” on Friday, Feb. 28, the first in a series of consumer protests.

The movement is being spearheaded by The People’s Union USA, which describes itself as “a grassroots movement dedicated to economic resistance, government accountability, and corporate reform.”

The organization says on its website that it is not affiliated with any political party or movement. Its founder, John Schwarz, is a Midwestern father, drummer and meditation teacher.

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“We transcend political labels,” reads the site’s FAQ. “We fight for fairness, economic justice, and real systemic change, something neither party has prioritized.”

The People’s Union USA encourages consumers to avoid spending if possible for the full 24 hours on Feb. 28.

“No online shopping, no fast food, no gas, nothing,” the website explains. “If possible, plan ahead and avoid contributing to corporate profits, by making purchases from locally owned business only. If you can safely take the day off work on February 28, do it.”

“This is about solidarity and sending a clear message: we have the power,” the message adds. “Corporations and banks only care about their bottom line. If we disrupt the economy for just ONE day, it sends a powerful message. If they don’t listen (they won’t) we make the next blackout longer (we will).”

See below for a full list of The People’s Union USA’s upcoming planned protests.

•  February 28: 24-Hour Economic Blackout – “No spending for one full day.”
•  March 7-14: Amazon Blackout – “No Amazon purchases, no Whole Foods, no Prime orders.”
•  March 21-28: Nestlé Blackout – “Boycotting Nestlé-owned brands due to water exploitation, child labor, and corporate greed.”
•  March 28: 24-Hour Economic Blackout #2 – “No spending for one full day.”
•  April 7-13: Walmart Blackout – “Shutting down spending at one of the biggest price-gouging, worker-exploiting corporations.”
•  April 18: Economic Blackout #3 – “Another full 24-hour halt to the economy.”
•  April 21-27: General Mills Blackout – Exposing food industry corruption and the poisoning of our families.

“This is just the beginning,” The People’s Union USA’s site reads. “More actions will follow.”