OUR PROPOSAL: SAFE WORK. STRONG SERVICE. MORE THAN FAIR PAY.

Safety is non-negotiable at NIPSCO. After months of good-faith bargaining, we presented a
comprehensive proposal with above-historical raises and expanded benefits. When we were unable to
reach an agreement on successor contracts for physical and clerical, we made the difficult decision to
initiate a lockout. This was not a punitive action — it reflects how seriously we take our obligation to deliver
safe, reliable service every day. We have a dedicated continuity team of qualified and trained staff
maintaining operations. Negotiations are continuing. Our offer remains on the table.

 

The Priorities Guiding Our Proposals

Our goal is straightforward: to continue strengthening NIPSCO as a utility that serves Hoosiers well today and into the future. Updating our union contract is an important part of supporting our operations, workforce and service model aligned with that responsibility.

 

Get the facts

 

 

Affordability

Affordability

Greater efficiency across our operations helps us limit costs we control, focus spending where it improves safety and reliability and responsibly manage costs pressures over time.

Better Service

Better Service

We're working to update operational practices to provide greater flexibility so our teams can respond quickly and efficiently and deliver the level of service our customers expect, especially during severe weather.



Reliability

Reliability

Through extreme weather, evolving energy needs, and local economic growth, customers need to know we’ll be there. These negotiations support a utility prepared to meet those expectations.

Safety

Safety

We're pursuing practical changes that support safe, effective work for our employees and the communities they serve.




NIPSCO training



Why Now

Updating Our Contract for Today’s Needs

The current contract has developed over decades, and some of its rules no longer reflect how a modern utility must operate to serve customers safely, reliably and responsibly.   

Reliable energy service is a core responsibility. Modernizing how we work, our programs and benefit offerings supports preparedness for severe weather, system disruptions and continued growth across Northern Indiana.  

See details of our latest contract proposal

 




From Our Leadership

Read more about our perspective on this opportunity for NIPSCO and our responsibility to the customers we serve.


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Our Commitment

Supporting the Team Who Powers Northern Indiana

Our employees are the backbone of NIPSCO. 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.  

We approach negotiations with respect and a commitment to reaching a fair agreement. Our focus is on maintaining the right balance, supporting our people while continuing to deliver dependable, affordable service for customers.  

NIPSCO Workers with 811 Shirt



The Facts:
NIPSCO Contract Negotiations

 

There has been a lot of discussion and information circulating online about NIPSCO’s contract negotiations with the United Steelworkers, our use of contractors and line worker pay. Some claims lack important context about how a regulated utility operates or information is altogether inaccurate or incomplete. We’re setting the facts straight.

 

 

 

Claim
Facts
“NIPSCO is cutting jobs and eliminating positions.”

There is no proposal to cut jobs. NIPSCO's proposal commits to creating no less than 20 new promotion opportunities. New roles — lead solar technician, gas combo, permanent working foreman — expand career pathways. Jobs are not eliminated. 




    “This [the lockout] is union-busting. NIPSCO is trying to get rid of the union.”

    NIPSCO is not trying to get rid of the union. A lockout is a lawful labor action explicitly recognized under the National Labor Relations Act. NIPSCO is actively continuing to negotiate and remains committed to reaching a collective bargaining agreement. 




      “The company slashed benefits and made workers pay more.”

      The proposal includes no changes to active or retiree medical plans. It adds two weeks of paid parental leave, enhanced vision benefits, expanded bereavement leave, and significantly higher safety equipment allowances. 




        “The new overtime rules force workers into unsafe conditions.”

        The proposal actually reduces maximum continuous work hours — from an extreme 32 hours down to 24, and eventually to 16 hours only in critical circumstances — bringing NIPSCO in line with industry safety standards. Fewer consecutive hours means safer workers and better outcomes for customers. Company expects a reasonable level of overtime acceptance as we are a regulated utility that provides emergency response services.




          “NIPSCO offered a lowball raise that doesn't keep up with inflation.”

          Just the opposite. In times of significant customer affordability pressures, the proposal offers above-historical wage increases: 4% in Year 1, with an additional 5% for lineworkers — plus a one-time ratification bonus of up to $5,000 if ratified by April 10th. Three years of compounded increases reflect a real investment in the workforce.




            “Negotiations are over. NIPSCO walked away from the table.”

            NIPSCO remains committed to negotiating a resolution. The Company continued to bargain beyond the extension expiration to reach a resolution, but to no avail. The lockout is a temporary measure, not a termination of bargaining. The goal is a fair agreement that works for our customers, communities, and employees. 




              “NIPSCO's proposals are draconian.”

              Our proposal includes:

              NIPSCO’s proposal is intended to move negotiations toward resolution and focuses on safety, faster emergency response, customer responsiveness, operational efficiencies, long‑term service reliability, and customer affordability. 

              The proposal includes:

              • Higher-than-historical increases in pay. 
              • A substantial one-time ratification bonus. 
              • Safety enhancement to reduce fatigue.
              • Additional jobs.
              • Enhanced benefits, including paid parental leave and holiday flexibility.



              “NIPSCO lineworkers aren’t paid well.”



              NIPSCO line workers are among the highest paid in Indiana reflecting the skill, risk and responsibility the job requires. We remain committed to rewarding that work fairly while also balancing the need to keep service affordable for customers.



              “Because NIPSCO is profitable, it can afford large increases in lineworker pay. ”
              Financial performance does not automatically translate into unlimited wage increases.

              As a regulated utility, NIPSCO’s rates, costs and investments are reviewed and approved through a public regulatory process designed to balance safety, reliability and customer affordability.

              Compensation decisions must align with what regulators determine is reasonable for customers to pay, while still allowing NIPSCO to attract and retain a skilled workforce.

              NIPSCO values its lineworkers and compensates them above market rates statewide and nationally.



              “High pay means NIPSCO lineworkers are always available and ready during outages.”
              NIPSCO lineworkers are among the highest paid in the state, but that does not mean they are consistently available during outages.

              Sometimes a storm or outage doesn’t meet the current contract rules that trigger premium overtime pay above and beyond regular overtime pay. When that happens, there may be fewer incentives for crews to come in, and restoration can take longer.

              In situations where NIPSCO lineworkers do not show up, the company must bring in qualified outside contractors to restore service or complete time-sensitive work. Hoosiers feel the impact of these delays and operational challenges.

              The goal of negotiations is not to reduce pay. It’s to update work rules so we can get the job done faster and safer when customers need power restored.



              “NIPSCO uses contractors to avoid paying NIPSCO lineworkers and charge customers more.”
              NIPSCO uses contractors to get critical work done for our customers in situations where our local crews refuse overtime or when the scale of a task requires more hands and/or specialized skills.

              NIPSCO does not use contractors to replace local lineworkers.

              Customer bills are determined through an extensive, careful regulatory process and influenced by customer usage.



              “NIPSCO is demanding extreme concessions from workers. ”
              Updating current contract provisions would:
              • Improve safety by supporting better staffing, scheduling and fatigue management
              • Strengthen storm and emergency response by allowing crews to be deployed when needed, not only under narrow classifications
              • Improve reliability for customers while protecting employees in high-risk situations
              These negotiations are about how work gets done. These negotiations are about updating work rules, so safety, reliability, compensation, and customer expectations are better aligned.



               

              NIPSCO respects its employees and the important work they do every day. At the same time, NIPSCO has a responsibility to customers to deliver safe, reliable and affordable energy. 

              The goal of these negotiations is to reach an agreement that supports employees, protects safety, and ensures NIPSCO can respond effectively when customers need us most.

               

               

               

               

              Need assistance?
              Visit our customer support page.

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              Have an emergency?

              Natural Gas: If you smell gas, think you have a gas leak, have carbon monoxide symptoms or have some other gas emergency situation, go outside and call 911 and thenour emergency number 1-800-634-3524.

              Electric: For any electric emergency including a power outage or other electric-related situation, please call  1-800-464-7726. If you see a downed power line, stay away and immediately call 911 and then our emergency number.