Walmart is once again at the center of a national boycott, as The People’s Union USA has launched a week-long protest from May 20 through Memorial Day. This follows a similar action in April, both aiming to pressure the retail giant into reinstating its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and addressing concerns over corporate practices. Reasons Behind the Boycott

The primary grievances fueling the boycott include

• Rollback of DEI Initiatives: Walmart has ceased considering race and gender in supplier contracts, halted racial equity training, and withdrawn from certain DEI programs.

• Rising Prices: Consumers have reported significant price increases on grocery items, leading to accusations of price gouging.

• Corporate Practices: Critics argue that Walmart’s actions contribute to economic inequality and undermine social progress.

Walmart’s Response

In response, Walmart has defended its actions, stating that serving communities is at the heart of its purpose. The company emphasizes its role as a significant corporate taxpayer and its contributions to communities through job creation and charitable donations.

Broader Context

This boycott is part of a larger movement targeting major corporations that have scaled back DEI programs, including PepsiCo, General Mills, and Amazon. Organizers argue that these actions reflect a broader trend of corporate retreat from social responsibility initiatives.

Looking Ahead

The People’s Union USA has indicated that the boycott will continue through July 4, with specific dates targeting major corporations like Amazon, General Mills, and Nestlé. The movement encourages consumers to support small, local businesses as an alternative.

As the boycott unfolds, it remains to be seen how Walmart and other corporations will respond to the growing calls for corporate accountability and social responsibility.