NIPSCO reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement with the leaders of the United Steelworkers union on April 16. Union employees now must ratify it before NIPSCO will end a lockout that began April 2.
The current proposal includes 4% raises for the next three years. Line workers would receive an additional 5% raise in the first year for a total of 9% and an additional 1% in year two for a total of 5%. The agreement also would cap the number of continuous hours at 16, a reduction from 32 hours to reflect industry standards.
“Our employees are the backbone of NIPSCO,” said NIPSCO in a statement on its website. ” Their skill, experience and dedication are essential to serving customers safely and reliably every day. We remain committed to recognizing that contribution and rewarding their work fairly.”
NIPSCO also reported that the company is not cutting jobs and is committed to created new opportunities for workers. New job titles include: lead solar technician, gas combo and permanent working foreman.
NIPSCO locked out employees who are represented by the United Steelworkers, according to an April 2 press release.
“We have negotiated in good faith from day one. We are proud to offer a proposal that demonstrates our commitment to our customers, communities and employees,” said Vince Parisi, NIPSCO president and chief operating officer, in a press release. “This is one of the strongest proposals in our history that reflects industry standards and is designed to support safety, long-term service reliability, effective emergency response and customer affordability. It also included higher-than-historical wage increases, substantial benefits enhancements and significant commitments to safety and career growth for represented employees. We remain ready to finalize an agreement that is more than fair, competitive and best positions NIPSCO to continue delivering safe, reliable energy for its community.”
The United Steelworkers condemned the action, which locked out about 1,600 union members. The lockout included members of USW Local 12775, the physical unit, and Local 13796.
“This lockout is a reckless decision that puts profits ahead of the welfare of our communities,” said USW International President Roxanne Brown in a press release. “USW members keep this system running safely and efficiently, but instead of bargaining in good faith, NIPSCO chose to shut them out and double down on proposals that would erode job security and jeopardize safety for workers and the public alike.”
USW Local 13796 members, who are clerical workers for NIPSCO, authorized a strike on March 29, with a 92% approval rate, according to a Mihoreyah Thomas, union president.
Contract negotiations began on Jan. 20 and included about 200 proposals since then. The current contract expired on March 31, and was voluntarily extended to April 2. But an agreement was not reached, leading to the lockout. NIPSCO said it has initiated continuity plans, which include nonrepresented employees and contractors.
NIPSCO also announced on April 5 that it would not disconnect service for customers in distress from rising costs.
“Many families are still making tough choices and energy bills are part of that,” Parisi said. “This is about keeping customers connected
and giving them time and support to find a payment solution that works for their situation.”
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