There's a welcome new addition to the organized construction industry in Michigan.

Three Towers Fire Protection Group, Inc. of Lincoln Park on Sept. 17 signed a collective bargaining agreement with Sprinkler Fitters Local 704, bringing nine new tradesmen into the local while opening up "a world of business opportunities" for the company, according to its president.

"It's in the best interests of the company, and it's in the best interest of our workers that we become a signatory contractor," said Three Towers President Stanley Sikorski. "There were jobs out there that we just couldn't bid on because we weren't union, and now I think we have unlimited potential."

The company started as Vanguard Design Sprinkler Co. Inc. in 1977, and over the years became one of the largest fire protection companies in the state, with 25 employees. The company also operates Vanguard Security Systems, Inc. The fire protection firm has done design and installation work for numerous general contractors, big and small, around the state.

The company is changing its name to Three Towers Fire Protection Group Inc. in concert with its switch to union affiliation. Sikorski, whose daughters Kristie, Suzanne and Heather are officers in the company, said the name of the firm refers to them "towering over the competition."

"We've been trying to organize them from day one," said Local 704 Business Manager Tom McNamara. "They've never said no, but they never have made a commitment, either. I'm happy to have Stan and his workers aboard; they're good people."

Local 704 has occasionally had a contentious relationship with Vanguard, on construction sites and occasionally in the courts. There have been numerous picket lines, and many of the Vanguard employees grew frustrated in taking abuse from union workers on mixed union-nonunion projects. But over the years, both the union and the company have operated under the understanding that whatever differences they had were strictly business and not personal.

"They're a good company, with skilled people who do quality work, and that's why they have lasted as long as they have," said Local 704 Organizer Dan Hall. "Stan has always taken care of his people when it comes to hourly pay, they've been pretty close to union scale. Financially, we'll be able to help them when it comes to their pension."

Sikorski agreed. "Some of our guys are getting older, and while we have a 401k plan, I wanted to see them have a better retirement. That's where the union is really going to help."

The union will also help open the door to work opportunities for Three Towers. Sikorski said over the years, the company has accepted the limitations of not being able to bid or work on projects with general contractors that only employ union subcontractors.

"We wanted to be independent, but there are a lot of work opportunities out there and now I think it's time to change our ways," Sikorski said. "I think we're all looking forward to it." Among his employees, none have balked at joining Local 704.

"It'll be good for the older guys and the younger guys, because of the pension," said Jim Fountain, 42, who has worked for the company since 1979. "And the younger guys will be able to go to the apprenticeship school. This will be good for us all, and I think it's time for a change."

THREE TOWERS FIRE PROTECTION Group Inc. has signed a collective bargaining agreement with Sprinkler Fitters Local 704. Front row (l-r) are company President Stanley Sikorski, daughters Heather Granlich and Kristie Sikorski, Local 704 Organizer Dan Hall and Business Mgr. Tom McNamara. Employees include (l-r) Harry Fountain, Ken Sova, Jim Whitlow, Larry Erpelding, Jim Fountain, Jr., Richard Fountain, Jim Fountain, Sr., Lance Kluge, Ross Alford, Brian Nadeau, Bob Hourigan, and Brian Hoffman.