Featured Steward Jacqueline Mariscal
Rite Aid steward that stands strong!

One never knows what life is going to deal us, but Jacqueline Mariscal of Rite Aid 5714 finds the strength to carry on, regardless of what comes her way.

Although new to her role as steward, her 40 years with Rite Aid have brought experience and solidarity to her workplace. And now she and her co-workers can celebrate a great new contract. “I’m so grateful for my union for bringing us a contract we can be proud to ratify,” Mariscal said. “It’s about time!”
“I was glad when I heard the company made significant concessions, resulting in the largest wage increase we have ever seen at Rite Aid, for now” she continued. “We never backed down. The strength we demonstrated in our stores translated directly to power at the bargaining table.” “This contract was possible because we stood together and fought for what we deserve,” she said.

Mariscal started in the industry with Rexall, which changed to Thrifty, then Payless, then CVS and eventually Rite Aid. Through that time, she has been a UFCW member with Locals 770, 1428 and eventually 1167 in the High Desert and is a Lead Supervisor with Rite Aid.
“Wherever there was a new opening, Rite Aid would send me there,” she said. “I saw an opening and I took it. This company has given me many opportunities and I’m grateful.” When a steward position opened about a year ago, she took that opportunity as well. “It was perfect timing,” she said. “I’m helpful with people and we all need a voice, especially with Rite Aid’s bankruptcy and the uncertainties we were facing.”

Reflecting on the difficulties of negotiating with a company in financial duress, she said: “It’s been a rollercoaster. I provided support any way I could. We needed to stand with the union because it’s here for us, no matter what. “I came into the store and told my co-workers, ‘Let’s not panic.’ I encouraged them to stand strong with each other and help one another and communicate with each other. “During negotiations, we heard rumors we were going on strike, but that was not the case. I told everyone not to listen to rumors, ever. I told them to take it all day by day and take a deep breath. We’ve been through tough times, and we will fight no matter what.”

When she started her career 40 years ago, Mariscal was expecting to work for only three years. She also invested and made money buying houses.
“But then I got married, and then 17 years later I was caught by surprise and got divorced,” she said. “So I’m back on my feet again to rebuild.”
Now headed toward retirement, she is working to get her real estate license and wants to build homes. “I am determined to build 1,001 homes!” she said.
Her career has not been easy, though.“With COVID in 2020 we got no sleep,” she said. “I was working day and night. We knew we might get COVID, but stayed in the store to give the community what it needed.”
“We went through the worst of the worst with the pandemic,” she continued. “It changed everything. I lost my brother to COVID and still had to go to work. I told our team we can’t give up. No matter when we drop, the rest of us stand up strong.”
Now fortified with a new contract, Mariscal and her co-workers are committed to standing strong well into the future.