Uncertainties grow as UNC Chapel Hill students and workers return to campus

Monday was a busy day on campus, as thousands tried unpack all that will come with this semester.

“Top of the list is safety,” said Tracy Harter, a UNC housekeeper.

The return to campus coinciding with the threat from Tropical Storm Isaias had some calling it the perfect disaster.

“It’s a little bit like divine intervention,” said Zofia Knorek, a UNC graduate worker. "We do not have to make this deadly decision,” she added.

It’s the decision to allow students to return that public service union workers, instructors and housekeepers are warning university leaders to rethink.

“Our black and brown workers are on the front lines cleaning these dorms. They don’t have the proper equipment,” said Knorek.

“It feels like you’re walking on eggshells and you don’t know what’s going to happen,” Harter added.

As students move in among all uncertainties, UNC workers said they’re asking for the bare minimum: personal protective equipment, hazard pay and a seat at the table.

“How do you define fear? Some of it you can do something about and some of it you just can’t,” said Harter.

The workers union wants employee safety to be the priority. Some members are now involved in a class action law suit that was filed against the university.