A seven-month-long union organizing campaign at Grand Hi-Reach has resulted in a union contract.

The management and 14 employees of Grand Hi-Reach - a Brighton-based firm which rents and sells forklifts, scissor lifts and snorkel lifts - have agreed to become signatory with Operating Engineers Local 324.

Local 324 and Grand Hi-Reach management have had a contentious relationship after the company stonewalled union organizing efforts.

"This is an example of what happens when you have hard-working union business representatives trying to achieve a goal," said Local 324 attorney Doug Korney. "I think it was a wise business move on the part of Grand Hi-Reach. They probably looked at the cold hard facts and decided that it was easier to compete in the marketplace with union labor."

In April, an article on this page urged union members and contractors to utilize unionized firms when they go to rent their lift equipment, and now Grand Hi-Reach is one of those signatory firms. Grand Hi-Reach can be reached at (248) 446-9333.

"We're glad Grand Hi-Reach has signed a contract, and we welcome them with open arms," said Local 324 Business Rep. Dennis Gillow. "We look forward to representing the new members and working with the management."