Vectren locks out union workers in dispute

Vectren has locked out 270 union workers at several Indiana worksites after the union rejected a proposed three-year-contract.

Vectren says the lockout that began Friday affects workers who serve 570,000 customers in 49 south and central Indiana counties. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1393 and United Steelworkers Locals 12213 and 7441 represent the workers.

IBEW business agent Bob Fox tells the Bloomington Herald Times that the union was willing to extend the old agreement or work without a contract while negotiations continued after the deal expired Dec. 1. Vectren says it had no choice after the contract was rejected Thursday.

Vectren says union members perform service disconnects, reconnects, new installations and after-hours service calls. The utility says managers, supervisors and independent contractors will take over that work.