On-site workers keep Union humming

While most of the UW–Madison campus is closed due to the pandemic, some employees continue to do essential work and facility maintenance at both Union South and Memorial Union. Food is still prepared for pickup and delivery, facilities and equipment are being cleaned, and office functions continue, often in the large rooms that allow social distancing.

A lone worker scrubs an empty Terrace with a power-washing machine.

Charlie Gorman of Water Dragon, a cleaning service based in Sun Prairie, pressure washes the Terrace. The facilities will be spic and span when they reopen. As of June 15, reopening information for the Memorial Union Terrace, Memorial Union and Union South is not yet available. Photo by: Jeff Miller

Wisconsin Union painter Joe Padgham paints metal covers to be used for an outdoor information stand while in the basement of the Memorial Union. Photo by: Jeff Miller

The Terrace is pictured almost empty, except for a lone worker.

The sun shone on an almost empty Terrace last week. Photo by: Jeff Miller

A lone worker scrubs the terrace in front of the Brat Stand, with ketchup and mustard visible.

The Brat Stand is normally busy during warm summer days, but not this month. Photo by: Jeff Miller

A worker behind a table gives food to someone arriving for pickup.

A customer picks up a Strada carry-out food order outside the Memorial Union. To continue providing dining options to those still on campus, the Wisconsin Union has established Meals To-Go at Memorial Union and Union South, for pick-up or delivery. Photo by: Jeff Miller

Two employees clean up tools in an emptyh conference room.

Wisconsin Union facilities staff Mike Mulcahy (vacuuming) and carpenter Scott Wilson clean up after installing a chair railing on the walls of a conference room in Union South. Photo by: Jeff Miller

Lead cook Jack Tredinnick prepares a carryout food order at The Sett in Union South. Photo by: Jeff Miller

a woman behind a counter takes a photo of a man.

Johan den Boon, associate scientist with the Morgridge Institute for Research, poses for a photo as service associate Almaz Yiman updates den Boon’s identification card at the Wiscard Office in Union South. Photo by: Jeff Miller

Red-clad Red Cross workers assist a blood donor.

The American Red Cross hosts a blood drive in the lobby of Union South. Photo by: Jeff Miller

A woman's hands hold up a cardboard container of food.

A woman picks up food staples and produce during a weekly distribution for The Open Seat UW Student Food Pantry held outside Union South. The food pantry is coordinated by Associated Students of Madison in partnership with the Second Harvest Foodbank. Food pickups are held from noon to 1 p.m. each Tuesday; people are asked to submit orders by the previous Thursday. Photo by: Jeff Miller

Office workers are seated at desks separated by the required 6 feet.

In order to facilitate a physically-distanced work space, Wisconsin Elections Commission staff make temporary office use of Union South’s spacious Varsity Hall to work. Photo by: Jeff Miller

See more photo stories

Photo gallery On-site workers keep Union humming