Introduction to the Issue

People walk past Target Store in Midtown Manhattan on March 6, 2025 in New York City, United States. Target CEO Brian Cornell met with the Rev. Al Sharpton in New York as the retailer faces calls for a boycott and a slowdown in foot traffic that began after it walked back key diversity, equity and inclusion programs, the civil rights leader told CNBC Wednesday.

Background on the Meeting

The meeting, which Target asked for, comes after some civil rights groups urged consumers not to shop at Target in response to the retailer’s decision to cut back on DEI. While Sharpton has not yet called for a boycott of Target, he has supported efforts from others to stop shopping at the retailer’s stores. "You can’t have an election come and all of a sudden, change your old positions," Sharpton told CNBC in a Wednesday interview ahead of the meeting. "If an election determines your commitment to fairness then fine, you have a right to withdraw from us, but then we have a right to withdraw from you."

Demands and Expectations

The civil rights leader said he would consider calling for a Target boycott if the company doesn’t confirm its commitment to the Black community and pledge to work with and invest in Black-owned businesses. "I said, ‘If [Cornell] wants to have a candid meeting, we’ll meet,’" Sharpton said of the phone call Target made to his office. "I want to first hear what he has to say." A Target spokesman confirmed to CNBC that the company reached out to Sharpton for a meeting and that Cornell will talk to him in New York this week.

Aftermath of the Meeting

On Thursday afternoon, Sharpton issued a statement after the meeting, calling it "constructive and candid." "I am going to inform our allies, including Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, of our discussion, what my feelings are, and we will go from there," said Sharpton. Bryant, a pastor in the Atlanta area, organized a 40-day boycott of Target that began in early March. The pastor has weighed whether to extend it and Sharpton had considered taking the boycott national.

Impact on Target

In January, Target said it would end its three-year DEI goals, no longer share company reports with external diversity-focused groups like the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equity Index and end specific efforts to get more products from Black- and minority-owned businesses on its shelves. Just days after the announcement, foot traffic at Target stores started to slow down. Since the week of Jan. 27, Target’s foot traffic has declined for 10 straight weeks compared to the year-ago period, according to Placer.ai, an analytics firm that uses anonymized data from mobile devices to estimate overall visits to locations.

Wider DEI Retreat

With its decision to roll back DEI efforts, the cheap chic retailer Target joined Walmart, McDonald’s, Tractor Supply and a slew of others that scrapped at least some DEI initiatives as they grew concerned that the programs could alienate some customers or land them in the crosshairs of President Donald Trump, who has vowed to end every DEI program across the federal government. Target’s decision contrasted with Costco, which shook off pressure from conservative activists to maintain its DEI programs.

Comparison with Other Companies

In the month of March, Target’s store traffic declined 6.5%, while the metric rose 7.5% year over year at Costco, Placer.ai data show. Target’s challenges run deeper than DEI backlash, and resistance to its policy change only added to its issues. The discounter’s annual revenue has been roughly flat for four years in a row as it’s struggled to drive consistent sales gains.

Questions and Commitments

In his meeting with Cornell, Sharpton said he will ask for Target to follow through on pledges it made after police killed George Floyd in the company’s hometown of Minneapolis. "You made commitments based on the George Floyd movement … what changed?" said Sharpton. "Are you trying to say … everything’s fine now, because the election changed? That’s insulting to us." In the wake of Floyd’s murder, Cornell said the event moved him.

Conclusion

The meeting between Target CEO Brian Cornell and the Rev. Al Sharpton marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in corporate America. As companies face pressure from both sides, they must navigate complex issues of social responsibility, customer expectations, and bottom-line concerns. The outcome of this meeting and the subsequent actions of Target and other companies will be closely watched, as they have the potential to impact not only the companies themselves but also the broader social landscape.

FAQs

Q: What prompted the meeting between Target CEO Brian Cornell and the Rev. Al Sharpton?
A: The meeting was prompted by Target’s decision to roll back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which led to calls for a boycott and a slowdown in foot traffic at Target stores.

Q: What did Sharpton say about Target’s decision to end its DEI goals?
A: Sharpton expressed disappointment and frustration, stating that Target’s decision was insulting and suggested that the company was abandoning its commitments to the Black community.

Q: How has Target’s foot traffic been affected since the announcement?
A: According to Placer.ai, Target’s foot traffic has declined for 10 straight weeks compared to the year-ago period, with a 6.5% decline in March.

Q: How does Target’s decision compare to other companies?
A: Target’s decision to roll back DEI efforts is part of a wider trend, with companies like Walmart, McDonald’s, and Tractor Supply also scaling back their DEI initiatives. However, companies like Costco have maintained their commitment to DEI programs.

Q: What is the potential impact of the meeting between Cornell and Sharpton?
A: The meeting could lead to Target reaffirming its commitment to DEI programs or facing further backlash, including a potential boycott. The outcome will be closely watched, as it has implications for the company, its customers, and the broader social landscape.

The global labor movement is witnessing a significant shift, with Latin America at the forefront of this change. Recent years have seen a surge in activism, with workers from various sectors demanding better working conditions, higher wages, and greater job security. This new era of unionization is being driven by a combination of factors, including economic instability, government policies, and the rise of social media.

Background and Context

The Latin American labor movement has a long and complex history, with workers facing numerous challenges in their fight for rights and fair treatment. In recent years, the region has experienced significant economic growth, but this has not always translated into better living standards for workers. Many countries in the region have struggled with high levels of inequality, poverty, and unemployment, leading to widespread discontent among workers.

Economic Factors

One of the primary drivers of the current surge in activism is economic instability. Many Latin American countries have faced significant economic challenges in recent years, including high inflation, currency devaluations, and recession. This has led to a decline in living standards, with many workers struggling to make ends meet. In Argentina, for example, the economy has been in crisis since 2018, with high inflation and a significant decline in the value of the currency. This has led to widespread protests and strikes, with workers demanding better wages and working conditions.

Government Policies

Government policies have also played a significant role in the surge in activism. In some countries, governments have implemented policies that have eroded workers’ rights, such as reducing labor protections and promoting precarious work. In Brazil, for example, the government of President Jair Bolsonaro has introduced a series of labor reforms that have been criticized for undermining workers’ rights. This has led to widespread protests and strikes, with workers demanding the repeal of these reforms.

Key Sectors and Industries

The surge in activism is not limited to any one sector or industry, with workers from a wide range of fields involved in the movement. Some of the key sectors and industries include:

Manufacturing and Industry

Workers in the manufacturing and industrial sectors have been at the forefront of the movement, with many demanding better wages and working conditions. In Mexico, for example, workers in the automotive sector have been involved in a series of strikes and protests, demanding higher wages and better benefits.

Services and Hospitality

Workers in the services and hospitality sectors have also been involved in the movement, with many demanding better wages and working conditions. In Chile, for example, workers in the tourism sector have been involved in a series of protests and strikes, demanding higher wages and better benefits.

Agriculture and Rural Workers

Agricultural and rural workers have also been involved in the movement, with many demanding better wages and working conditions. In Colombia, for example, rural workers have been involved in a series of protests and strikes, demanding higher wages and better benefits.

Role of Social Media and Technology

Social media and technology have played a significant role in the surge in activism, with many workers using these tools to organize and mobilize. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp have been used to coordinate protests and strikes, as well as to raise awareness about workers’ rights and issues.

Online Organizing

Online organizing has been a key feature of the movement, with many workers using social media to connect with each other and coordinate actions. In Argentina, for example, workers have used social media to organize a series of online protests and strikes, demanding better wages and working conditions.

Digital Activism

Digital activism has also been a key feature of the movement, with many workers using social media to raise awareness about workers’ rights and issues. In Brazil, for example, workers have used social media to launch a series of online campaigns, demanding better wages and working conditions.

Challenges and Opportunities

The surge in activism in Latin America presents both challenges and opportunities for workers and unions. One of the key challenges is the need to build a more unified and coordinated movement, with workers and unions working together to achieve common goals.

Building a Unified Movement

Building a unified movement is crucial to the success of the labor movement in Latin America. This requires workers and unions to work together, sharing resources and expertise to achieve common goals. In Mexico, for example, workers and unions have formed a series of alliances and coalitions, working together to demand better wages and working conditions.

Engaging with Governments and Employers

Engaging with governments and employers is also crucial to the success of the labor movement in Latin America. This requires workers and unions to develop effective strategies for negotiation and advocacy, working to achieve better wages and working conditions. In Chile, for example, workers and unions have developed a series of innovative strategies for engaging with governments and employers, using social media and other tools to raise awareness and build support.

Conclusion

The surge in activism in Latin America represents a significant shift in the global labor movement. With workers from a wide range of sectors and industries involved, the movement has the potential to achieve significant gains for workers’ rights and fair treatment. However, the movement also faces significant challenges, including the need to build a more unified and coordinated movement, and to engage effectively with governments and employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is driving the surge in activism in Latin America?

The surge in activism in Latin America is being driven by a combination of factors, including economic instability, government policies, and the rise of social media.

Which sectors and industries are involved in the movement?

The movement involves workers from a wide range of sectors and industries, including manufacturing and industry, services and hospitality, and agriculture and rural workers.

What role is social media playing in the movement?

Social media is playing a significant role in the movement, with many workers using platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp to organize and mobilize.

What are the challenges and opportunities facing the movement?

The movement faces significant challenges, including the need to build a more unified and coordinated movement, and to engage effectively with governments and employers. However, the movement also presents opportunities for workers to achieve significant gains for workers’ rights and fair treatment.

How can workers and unions build a more unified movement?

Workers and unions can build a more unified movement by sharing resources and expertise, and working together to achieve common goals. This requires effective strategies for negotiation and advocacy, as well as a commitment to solidarity and cooperation.

What is the future of the labor movement in Latin America?

The future of the labor movement in Latin America is uncertain, but the surge in activism represents a significant shift in the global labor movement. With workers from a wide range of sectors and industries involved, the movement has the potential to achieve significant gains for workers’ rights and fair treatment.

Netflix Posts Major Earnings Beat

Netflix posted a major earnings beat Thursday, as revenue grew 13% during the first quarter of 2025. The streamer attributed its better-than-expected revenue to higher-than-forecast subscription and advertising dollars.

Earnings Report Details

In late January, the company increased its pricing across the board, raising its standard plan to $17.99 a month, its ad-supported plan to $7.99, and its premium plan to $24.99. The report marks the first time the streaming giant did not disclose quarterly subscriber data, as it shifts its strategy to focus on revenue and other financial metrics as performance indicators.

Market Impact

Netflix’s earnings also come as traditional media stocks have been slammed by a tumultuous market prompted by President Donald Trump’s trade policy. However, Netflix said it continues to forecast full-year revenue of between $43.5 billion and $44.5 billion. "There’s been no material change to our overall business outlook," the company said in a statement Thursday.

Executive Insights

As investors worry about the potential impact of tariffs on consumer spending and confidence, Netflix’s co-CEO Greg Peters said on the company’s earnings call, "Based on what we are seeing by actually operating the business right now, there’s nothing really significant to note." Peters added, "We also take some comfort that entertainment historically has been pretty resilient in tougher economic times. Netflix, specifically, also, has been generally quite resilient. We haven’t seen any major impacts during those tougher times, albeit over a much shorter history."

Financial Performance

Netflix shares gained about 2% in extended trading Thursday. Here’s how the company performed for the quarter ended March 31:

• Earnings per share: $6.61 vs. $5.71 expected
• Revenue: $10.54 billion vs. $10.52 billion expected
  Net income for the period was $2.89 billion, or $6.61 per share, up from $2.33 billion, or $5.28 per share, during the same quarter a year earlier. Revenue in the first quarter jumped nearly 13% year over year, reaching $10.54 billion.

Advertising Strategy

Netflix has been leaning on advertising as it seeks to soften slowing subscriber growth. "A key focus in 2025 is enhancing our capabilities for advertisers," it said. The company launched its in-house ad tech platform in early April in the U.S., with plans to extend into other markets in the coming months. "We believe our ad tech platform is foundational to our long term ads strategy," the company said. "Over time, it will enable us to offer better measurement, enhanced targeting, innovative ad formats and expanded programmatic capabilities."

Conclusion

Netflix’s strong earnings report suggests that the company is well-positioned for continued growth, despite challenges in the broader market. With its focus on revenue and advertising, Netflix is likely to remain a major player in the streaming industry.

FAQs

Q: What was Netflix’s revenue growth in the first quarter of 2025?
A: Netflix’s revenue grew 13% during the first quarter of 2025.
Q: Why did Netflix increase its pricing across the board in January?
A: Netflix increased its pricing to raise its standard plan to $17.99 a month, its ad-supported plan to $7.99, and its premium plan to $24.99.
Q: What is Netflix’s forecast for full-year revenue?
A: Netflix forecasts full-year revenue of between $43.5 billion and $44.5 billion.
Q: How did Netflix’s shares perform after the earnings report?
A: Netflix shares gained about 2% in extended trading Thursday.
Q: What is Netflix’s strategy for advertising in 2025?
A: A key focus in 2025 is enhancing our capabilities for advertisers, including the launch of its in-house ad tech platform.