Choices for Youth workers on strike in clash over collective agreement

Unionized workers at Choices for Youth in St. John's have gone on strike, while trying to negotiate their first-ever collective agreement.

The impasse between the charity and some of their employees came to a head Tuesday morning when the workers, who are part of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees, hit the picket line.

Nine members who work at the Lilly — a 14-unit congregate-living supportive housing centre for youth operated by Choices for Youth on Bond Street — are part of the strike action, with the primary picket line happening on Duckworth Street in the downtown St. John's. 

On Thursday the members voted 100 per cent in favour of strike action. The members voted to join NAPE nearly two years ago.

"They deal with some of the most vulnerable in our population, the youth in the metro area and across the province," said NAPE president Jerry Earle, who was at the picket line Tuesday morning. "They've been doing this through the entire pandemic while the management team was able to work remotely."

Earle said non-unionized workers have had a pay increase but his members haven't.

"These workers are very motivated. They'd much prefer to be inside the facility right now doing the work, but they know this is an absolutely essential thing to do," said Earle. "There's just nine workers, but we have about 30, 40 people here this morning in front of Choices for Youth in support of these workers."

Earle said Choices for Youth has "made no effort" to contact the union.

In a release sent Thursday, Choices for Youth management said talks have been ongoing for almost a year. 

"We have been working hard to reach an agreement, but recently learned that despite our best effort, we have not been able to do so," reads the release.

"We are hopeful that we will soon reach an agreement with NAPE. Until then, we will continue to respect the process and everyone involved."

In the release, Choices for Youth said its priority is to ensure the continued well-being of those supported by the organization and is committed to ensuring continued care in any transitions that are required during this time.

According to the organization's website, it provided 114 people with housing and shelter last year and served 9,980 meals.

CBC News has requested an interview with Choices for Youth.