Grassroots group launches month-long boycotts of Amazon, Starbucks, and Home Depot

In July 2025, The People's Union USA initiated boycotts against several major companies, including Amazon, Starbucks, and Home Depot. The founder of the group, John Schwarz, expressed deep concerns about the working conditions of employees within these companies. He highlighted the extreme heat that workers endure without sufficient breaks, emphasizing that the wealth generated by these companies, particularly by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, comes at the expense of worker well-being. Schwarz criticized the extravagant lifestyle of corporate leaders, noting that while Bezos hosted a lavish wedding in Venice, employees were struggling to make a living wage. He described this disparity as emblematic of a system that exploits workers while enriching a select few. The call to action for the boycott was made through social media, urging people to hold these corporations accountable for their practices. Starbucks was also a focal point of criticism, with claims that the company retaliated against employees attempting to unionize. Former CEO Howard Schultz previously denied any violation of federal labor laws when questioned during a Senate hearing, further intensifying public skepticism about the company's commitment to its community claims. Additionally, Home Depot faced backlash for allegedly erasing its diversity, equity, and inclusion page, which some perceived as a step back in its commitment to fairness and representation in the workplace. Schwarz's announcement of the month-long boycotts extends beyond the mentioned corporations to include all companies associated with Amazon, such as Zappos and Whole Foods. The actions called upon consumers to reconsider their purchases and to demand greater corporate responsibility regarding labor rights and equitable treatment. As the boycott began on July 1, 2025, it reflects a broader trend of grassroots advocacy for workers' rights in the face of corporate influence and profit motives.