Merrillville, Ind. – Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) announced today that it initiated a lockout of employees represented by the United Steelworkers (USW). The decision followed months of extensive negotiations that failed to produce a tentative agreement for successor collective bargaining agreements for physical and clerical by the extended April 2, 2026, deadline.
“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. “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.”
NIPSCO representatives have been bargaining in good faith with USW representatives since January 20, 2026. After the prior contracts expired at midnight on March 31, NIPSCO voluntarily extended the agreement through 4 p.m. CT on April 2 to allow additional time for the parties to reach a resolution.
Since the beginning of the negotiations process, NIPSCO representatives have worked through nearly 200 proposals.
An Overview of Our Last Proposal
NIPSCO’s most recent proposal includes:
- 4% across-the-board wage increase for the life of the contract for both physical and clerical employees, with additional increases resulting in total increases of 9% for lineworkers and 7% for senior building mechanics in Year 1, and a total of 5% for lineworkers in Year 2.
- A ratification bonus of $5,000 if signed by April 10.
- Two weeks of paid parental leave, expanded bereavement leave, enhanced vision benefits and increased safety equipment allowances.
- A stepped approach to reducing continuous work hours from 32 to eventually 16 hours — an industry-standard safety measure to reduce fatigue, especially for electric lineworkers, who often work in excess of 16 continuous hour.
- Suitable requirements for acceptance of overtime to support efficient emergency response and customer service and reduce the use of contractors when employees decline emergency callouts.
- New career opportunities including lead solar technician, permanent working foreman and gas combo roles.
The Item Under Discussion
We were unable to reach agreement on provisions related to the union’s request for double-time pay for hours worked beyond a regular shift and in certain additional circumstances that are not industry standard despite the higher-than-historic wage increases and concessions in other areas. Unfortunately, this refusal seems to prioritize the interests of a few union members – who may no longer be able to benefit from overtime related to continuous work up to 32 hours – over what is a more than fair contract for the broader membership.
Our Continued Commitment to Customers
NIPSCO has implemented continuity plans to maintain safe and reliable service during the lockout. Trained non‑represented employees, qualified contractors and support from our family of companies are in place to maintain operations and respond to customer needs. All work is being performed under established safety procedures and supervision.
As a regulated utility, NIPSCO remains focused on safety and reliable service and meeting its obligations to customers. The company remains available to continue discussions with union leadership and to work toward a ratified collective bargaining agreement.
Learn more at www.NIPSCO.com/Stronger.
