diff --git a/mxqd.c b/mxqd.c
index b960426a..c858746f 100644
--- a/mxqd.c
+++ b/mxqd.c
@@ -1390,7 +1390,7 @@ unsigned long start_job(struct mxq_group_list *glist)
         job->host_pid = getpid();
 
         mx_log_debug("starting reaper process.");
-        mx_funlock(server->flock);
+        mx_funlock_nodelete(server->flock);
         server->flock = NULL;
         mx_mysql_finish(&server->mysql);