Workers at the Miramichi Emergency Centre for Women are considering going on strike.

The seven employees at the domestic violence shelter formed a union through the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) in January 2015, but have not been successful in negotiating a first contract.

CUPE is representing seven workers at the Miramichi Emergency Centre for Women who are trying to negotiate a first contract. (cupe.ca) Contract negotiations with the help of a provincially appointed conciliator reached an impasse last week.

The shelter workers want to put policies currently in their employee handbook into a collective agreement. Doing so would mean any modifications proposed to those policies, such as the number of sick days employees are entitled to, would have to be negotiated by both parties.

CUPE national representative Guy Ward said the workers are frustrated by resistance from their employer.

"We're asking for what they currently have, and still it's a big 'No' from the employer."

Lawyer Jamie Eddy represents the centre and says the not-for-profit centre needs flexibility to change its policies when circumstances change.

"They want to have a collected agreement that suits a not-for-profit organization," said Eddy. "They don't want to be encumbered by a collective agreement that is typical in the private sector."

The centre takes in women in crisis as well as their children and pets. It is currently operating as usual.