Who Was That Masked Man?

Returning home from vacation, everything was different. This was 2020 and I became an "Essential" employee. Working through the pandemic was good. There was nothing else to do.

What, was I supposed to date over Zoom? My sister said that would be an option. Meanwhile, she could sleep in the same bed with her husband. Eventually they would contract Covid-19. Not from each other. I could write about how much of a stickler to the rules she was or mention a new employee from that time.

The Christmas before was the worst peak period ever. The seasonal employees were too busy on their phones to engage, there was an assault and in comparison, a worldwide pandemic wasn't that bad.

Most of the undesirables left the company by December 15. Little by little there were friendlier people who rose to the top. It's amazing how new people and new perspectives keep the job fresh.

A man arrived to move large, irregular packages. He was a Steelers fan. You never have to ask a Pittsburgh Steeler fan who their team of choice is. Joking about how big a fan of The Baltimore Ravens he was- that's a good way to get out of his good graces.

My supervisor at the time was also a Steelers fan. Never underestimate the power of Troy Polamalu. Anyway, this guy came from a different facility. Usually new employees need to be shown the ropes. He knew and wore a T Shirt with the union from his previous facility.

The Teamsters are what keep me on this job. Sidebar- I have had trouble with management. When do I not? They want to run us out of the building. If the work is done; I'm happy to leave.

The generation gap is they want to save money and receive a larger bonus. I want to stay to complete the pride of a job well done. There is no magic wand and the work might take longer to finish than expected.

The Union has been protecting me because I want to work More. Lest you believe the hype that union employees are lazy. Some are, my pandemic colleague worked hard. Some have a presence and others feel better.

His time in our facility was brief. He might have had a sick parent or something. I never learned his name nor did I see the lower half of his face because we had to wear masks. He actually wore his.

Many wore them around their chins. Why wear it all? It wasn't that big of a deal. Some still wear masks. The building is a bird bathroom- who know what we are breathing in? This gentleman left as quickly as arrived. There is no way of contacting him. He definitely maximized the time we worked together. Anyone can do it. I'm glad he did.