We are happy to ensure clean parking garages

In the Zuidpoort garage we speak with Robel and his closest colleagues Michel and Nick. Along with many other cleaning staff from Werkse! They ensure the cleanliness of five spick-and-span parking garages, week in and week out. ParkerenDelft's parking garages, to be precise: the Markt, Zuidpoort, Phoenix, Kampveld, and Prinsenhof garages.

Oil running
Anyone who thinks garage cleaning is just about floors is mistaken. Robel Mulugeta: "We also clean restrooms, stairwells, ramps, corridors, offices, and elevators. And we keep the safes and parking meters tidy." Plenty of work, then. Like a seasoned professional, he lists the extra tasks one after the other: "Chewing gum, running oil, removing cobwebs, emptying trash cans. We have a schedule of tasks. They're all on a list. All the tasks for this morning have already been checked off. We do a different floor every day. Any work is good. And work is important."

Trots
Robel: 'We often work together in the mornings, but now I'm on my own for a bit. I usually work in the Zuidpoort garage and on Thursdays in the Phoenix garage. On Wednesdays I also take language lessons at Werkse!. That's important. I understand what people are saying, but talking is still a bit difficult.' Robel is proud of his cleaning work in the parking garages. He proudly—and with his characteristic smile—appears in the photos. His previous supervisor, Raymond Aspeslagh: 'If there were pictures in a dictionary, I'd put Robel's picture next to the word "proud!" Robel also handles expensive machines like the large scrubber-dryers with great care. When he's finished, he cleans them and fills them up for the next day. So that he or someone else can start right away the next morning.'

nice and fresh
Michel Rienks has been working in the parking garages since 2015. Michel: 'First for a different client. About four years ago, the tender went to Werkse! And I moved on.' Does he ever get compliments from people parking or picking up their cars? Michel: 'Almost every day. Especially in the Marktgarage. People say, "It smells so fresh in here!" Or "Is it new here?" That's nice; it gives you extra satisfaction from your work.'

Underground
Nick Klappe is the working foreman. Nick: "I spend about 90% of my time working with the team, and 10% is spent on management." He also used to work for the other cleaning company in the garages. Are there any special days or moments? "Every day is actually special. What I enjoy most is working towards certain results." Is it annoying to work so much underground? "No," they say in unison. "You get used to it very quickly. And by the way: the offices we clean are above ground!"