The grassroots advocacy group known for organizing "economic blackouts" and targeted boycotts in recent months is asking shoppers to avoid Walmart this week. The People's Union USA previously organized a boycott against the mega-chain in April, citing DEI rollbacks as one of the reasons.

But now the organization is targeting Walmart's labor practices, lobbying and more.

Here's what Illinois shoppers should know.

When did the Walmart boycott begin?

The ongoing Walmart boycott began on Tuesday, May 20, and will last through Monday, May 26.

What is included in the Walmart boycott?

People's Union USA founder Joe Schwarz posted information about the boycott on Instagram. His post included Walmart, Sam's Club and all Walmart associates — such as Walmart's private label brands, including Great Value, Equate and Mainstays — in the boycott.

Why is Walmart being boycotted? Walmart controversy

On March 29, the People's Union blog posted about the first planned Walmart boycott.

"Walmart is one of the biggest beasts in the game," the post stated. "A mega-corporation that has swallowed up local economies, crushed small businesses, underpaid their employees, and helped fund the same political machine that keeps us all stuck."

On the group's online "consumer awareness" page , Walmart falls on a list of corporations the People's Union labels as having practiced "tax avoidance, poor labor practices, lobbying against workers’ rights, or manipulating pricing during inflation."

Specifically, the People's Union accuses the Walmart corporation of driving out small businesses, underpaying workers and using corporate subsidies.

The list also names Amazon, Nestlé, Bayer (formerly Monsanto), Coca-Cola, Chevron, Nike, Meta (Facebook), Google/Alphabet, Comcast and McDonald's.

How many Walmart locations are in Illinois?

There are 136 Walmart supercenters in Illinois, according to the chain's website , as well as 2 neighborhood markets and 14 discount stores.

How many Sam's Club locations are in Illinois?

There are 25 Sam's Club warehouses in Illinois, according to Walmart's website.