Union ratifies NIPSCO pact

By Bowdeya Tweh
bowdeya.tweh@nwi.com, (219) 933-4183 | Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Members from United Steelworkers Locals 12775 and 13796 have voted to ratify collective bargaining agreements with Northern Indiana Public Service Co., the union said Tuesday.

A tentative five-year agreement was reached April 6. A union membership vote on the new bargaining agreement was due today.

The previous agreement was set to expire May 31.

NIPSCO is a subsidiary of Merrillville-based NiSource Inc. The utility holding company Friday reported income from continuing operations of $159.3 million in the first quarter, or 58 cents per share, as compared to $189.5 million, or 69 cents per share, in the first quarter of 2008.

USW Local 12775 bargains on behalf of both locals and represents about 1,450 workers in gas and electric operations and at four NIPSCO power plants. Local 13796 represents about 450 office and technical workers.

Local 13796 President Karen Bryan said she couldn't disclose the vote tally on the contract.

"Our company has been hit just like every other company has (and) whether we like it or not, that was the backdrop of the negotiations," Bryan said. "We started early this time and we're usually bargaining up to the last minute. This was a change for us. I think that worked out well."

Highlights of the agreement include:

* Annual wage increases of 2.75 percent Jan. 1, 2010; 2.75 percent Jan. 1, 2011; 3 percent Jan. 1, 2012, 3 percent Jan. 1, 2013; and 3.5 percent Jan. 1, 2014.

* The union agreeing to commit at least 200 workers in a mandatory response for major storms that damage the utility's electric transmission or distribution systems.

* The 24-hour call center in Merrillville will remain open with clerical support in parts of northern Indiana. Bryan said the call center also handles customers from NiSource properties Northern Indiana Fuel and Light in Auburn and Kokomo Gas in Kokomo.

NIPSCO had not returned a call seeking comment early Tuesday afternoon.