Joanna Rao, Keira Ritchie, Corey Greenberg, and Malcolm Barnes had been working together for almost ten years when Malcolm decided to take a better offer from a computer company. “Who’s going to be our steward now?” Keira asked. The four were observing their usual Friday-after-work ritual: coffee and dessert at a local café.
“Yeah, who’s the next lucky glutton for punishment?” Corey teased.
“You’ve got that part all wrong, man,” said Malcolm. “I’ve had a blast being steward. But after so many years, it’s time to pass the torch…”
“Well, not exactly,” interrupted Joanna. “We DO have to have an election.”
“That’s true. I don’t just get to wave my wand and confer stewardship like I was making somebody a knight. But I think my successor is a pretty logical choice…I’ve given it a lot of thought.” Malcolm took off his glasses and stared at his friends. They’d all supported him in his work as steward, volunteering for phone banks, sending out information to other members, even going with him to the rally in New York City.
But Joanna, more than the other two, had also served as a convention delegate. On Thursdays, you could count on Joanna to show up in her union jacket, rain or shine. And Malcolm knew too, that Joanna had reached out to counsel Florence Kingsley when she was struggling with family members. Confidentially, Florence had told Malcolm how Joanna had helped her contact the Employee Assistance Program.
“I hope you’re not thinking about me!” Corey said, suddenly, throwing up his hands playfully. “All that political business…”
“You’re off the hook, buddy. But don’t minimize all the things you do—everybody’s contribution to the union is important.” Malcolm picked up his mug, and glanced around the table. “The fact is,” he began, “is that I think Joanna should throw her hat in the ring. What do you say, Jo?”
Keira lifted her glass immediately. “I second that. You’d be a great steward—“
Joanna blushed. “I’m so honored—“
Malcolm grinned broadly. “Say you’ll run! You’d get my vote!”
Joanna nodded. “OK,” she answered, “I’ll run. But only if Keira and Corey run my election campaign!”
“You’re a shoo-in, Jo,” said Corey. “That’ll be the easiest campaign in the history of electoral politics.”
All four lifted their cups.
“Hear, hear!” they chanted in unison. “To the new steward-elect!”