Over 1,600 United Steelworkers locked out of NIPSCO

The Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) locked out 1,600 United Steelworkers as negotiations failed to reach a new contract. 

Since January, workers have been asking for better working conditions and pay. Thursday was the final offer deadline.

NIPSCO says its most recent proposal included a 4% wage increase, plus additional increases for lineworkers, two weeks of paid parental leave, expanded bereavement leave and increased safety equipment allowances.

They would also have reduced the number of continuous hours worked from 32 to 16.

NIPSCO says the sticking point was the union's request for double-time pay for hours worked beyond a regular shift.

In a recent statement, NISPCO said, "We remain ready to finalize an agreement that is more than fair, competitive and best positions NISPCO to continue delivering safe, reliable energy for its community."

In a statement, the United Steelworkers condemned NIPSCO for the lockout, calling the move an aggressive escalation that threatens worker safety, undermines labor rights and disrupts communities across northern Indiana.

NIPSCO is a public service company providing natural gas and electricity in Northern Indiana.    

There's a similar situation in Whiting, Indiana, at the BP Refinery. Hundreds of union workers have been locked out of the BP refinery since March 19, after contract negotiations broke down.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun joined picketers there earlier this week, calling on the company to come back to the bargaining table

Members have already voted to authorize a strike amid negotiations, with 98% approval.