background step getting hung up

[Brian Bennings]

Hello Everyone,
 
What would cause a background step in a workflow (4.5b) to get hung up
consistently at the same place?  In our workflow, we have a sub-workflow for
capturing FI invoice approvals.  This sub-workflow exists as a step in another
workflow definition.
 
The last step of the sub-workflow is a background step that completes just fine.
The subsequent step in the parent workflow definition is also a background step.
For some reason, that step consistently does not start.  The log just shows the
previous step as complete.
 
When the RSWWERRE job runs, the background step in the parent workflow kicks and
continues with the subsequent steps.
 
Thanks in advance,
Brian Bennings