Thread: massive awc edit

in the most recent issue of american window cleaner magazine a letter appears from a john long former iwca president

this letter has been altered to protect gary mauer

below is the real letter intended to print

i have highlighted most of the missing pieces

Dear Window Cleaner,

In the American Window Cleaner November/December 2009 issue, Gary Mauer presented an article regarding the IWCA and GANA negotiations.

My name is John Long and I have been involved in the window cleaning industry for over 40 years, doing numerous construction clean ups and all other aspects of window cleaning. I am a founding member of the IWCA, sat on the IWCA’s board of directors, and had the privilege of being a president of the association. I would like to think that my credentials and experience in window cleaning, including running a company with over 40 employees entitles me to these comments:

I find Mr. Mauer’s comments, for lack of a better term, ignorant. Window cleaners should wake up and recognize that the only way that we can meaningfully change this situation is to cooperate with other associations and those that affect our industry. Associations who strive to create positive impacts for their industries have no room to burn bridges. Bridges need to be built, relationships need to be forged, and meaningful change needs to take place. The window cleaning industry has the opportunity to partner with GANA to create a far better circumstance for everyone that looks through a piece of glass.

First issue: The manufacturing process may not allow for the elimination of glass fines even with the cleanest of fabrication facilities and methods. Window cleaners cannot answer this question or will not ever have the opportunity to alter manufacturing. Forging a positive relationship with GANA and others related to the glass industry may assist in change if possible.

Second issue: We all recognize that on every construction site damage to the glass surface is a common problem. Glass that is not stored properly or not properly protected during the construction phase is of great issue to GANA, window cleaners, general contractors and the end user. Manufacturer’s recommendations are the accepted norm for maintenance procedures in all industries. Throwing darts at the manufacturers will not convince or implement change.

Third issue: Regarding regular maintenance of glass, many buildings are frequently left vulnerable to glass damage from rain or water run off from the building façade, improperly aimed sprinkler systems, uneducated cleaning procedures, etc. Our industry and possibly the glass manufacturing and installation industry has got do a good enough job of educating the building owner/manager of the importance of protecting the glass surface.

Fourth issue and possibly of the most benefit to window cleaners: Is there potential by forging a relationship with GANA and the glass industry that meaningful recommendations about the care and maintenance of glass could lead to higher billable dollars for the window cleaning industry? Greater precautions during construction could lead to two or three cleanings throughout the construction phase. Better and more specific manufacturers’ recommendations could lead to increased cleaning cycles throughout the life of the building. My company and its employees are all for increased frequencies.

Following along with Mr. Mauer’s point of view and those that agree with him will do nothing but tear down walls and make it more difficult for our industry to be looked upon as a profession. Rational minds prefer to look at problems and create solutions and win/win circumstances. The IWCA and its leadership have long strived to create a positive environment for the professional window cleaner by allowing them to learn and thrive. The association’s endeavors in safety and other aspects of the industry are significant. I request all window cleaners to support the IWCA’s effort to create a meaningful relationship with GANA for the reasons previously stated and look beyond the finger pointing, dart throwing and ignorance that has will create NO result.





altered to protect gary mauer




i am the window cleaning insider

Originally Posted by mistersqueegee

Chris - Every time the IWCA talks to GANA there is some new spin from them on how wcers are now seeing their stand on FD. It hasn't seemed to help in the past and until GANA reverses their stand on FD it's futile to talk any further to them.

So are we just supposed to wait for GANA to reverse their stance? Wouldn't it be better to engage in talks and try to find some common ground?