RALEIGH, N.C. – A longtime housekeeper at N.C. State said Wednesday, University officials are putting workers like her at risk of catching COVID-19.

Maria Ruiz has worked at Lee Hall on the N.C. State campus for 16 years. Wednesday marked the third of 12 straight days on the job for her, something she said has never happened, during student move-in or otherwise. As she does this, she is exposed to students and parents from near and far. 

“Right now, it's really hard for us to come to work because we don't know the people, from where they're coming,” she says.

Ruiz has masks and gloves but many feel those measures are inadequate. On Wednesday afternoon, members of UE Local 150, a public service workers union, delivered a petition to N.C. State administrative services officials demanding workers like Ruiz receive hazard pay and more extensive protective equipment, including face shields, gowns, and shoe covers.

The union also is demanding a return to normal work shifts, eliminating the requirement to work a number of days in a row, as Ruiz is doing. She was one of some 140 people to sign. Union organizers say many of the people who work in housekeeping and related functions on campus come from groups that have disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. 

Ruiz has two small children at home. She says not only is she trying to keep from infecting them, she also has to figure out how to find someone to watch them while she's at work. She says her supervisors share many of her concerns. Ruiz says the extra hours and infection risk impact them, as well as the crews they oversee.

N.C. State officials said in a statement, they will review and evaluate the union's demands. In the meantime, students and staff already are required to wear face masks on campus at all times whenever social distancing is not possible. On the university's COVID-19 management website, officials point out they can't guarantee a COVID-19-free campus.