(SOUTH BEND) - The NIPSCO lockout involving about 1,600 union workers is now creating visible impacts in northern Indiana communities, according to a report from WNDU-TV.
The workers, represented by the United Steelworkers, were locked out after contract talks broke down over issues including outside contractors, mandatory overtime and outage work rules.
WNDU reports the first community effects were already showing during Thursday night's storms in Marshall County, where firefighters responding to a pole fire near Plymouth reportedly waited about two hours for NIPSCO crews. Approximately 30 homes in a LaPorte County neighborhood remained without power into Friday afternoon, with residents voicing concerns about delays during the lockout.
Union leaders say the dispute is centered less on wages and more on safety, staffing and overtime demands, while NIPSCO says it has activated continuity plans using non-represented workers and qualified contractors.
There are currently no active negotiations taking place, with union leaders urging the company to return to the bargaining table