There are about 50 “non-traditional” window washers across Chicago. These guys, by law, are allowed to swing off ropes to clean windows providing the weather cooperates. Without exception, each washer I’ve met is Mexican-American and looks like he’s been poured out of a mold. They look like gymnasts and I guess that makes some sense. None claim to be fearless, but heights are not the issue. They worry about equipment failure and wind. I video taped these three guys through the window of my apartment on the 34th floor. I continue to be surprised at the pay for rope-dangling, window washing. It’s about $17.00 an hour.
Ralph Braseth 