Staff from the Many Rivers Counselling and Support Services Society could strike as early as Friday, as contract negotiations have stalled.

Eighty-three per cent of the 18 union members have voted in favour of strike action if an agreement is not reached. Society staff are members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada.

A statement released Tuesday afternoon said the negotiations have been ongoing since October 2011 and that the parties met with a government-appointed mediator on March 15.

Steve Geick, the president of the Yukon Employees' Union, which is affiliated with the PSAC, said in the press release that "the main stumbling block between the parties is a renewal of a modified form of the current flexible work hours arrangement.

"Flexible work hours have been an important recruitment and retention tool used by the employer to attract staff to the Yukon,” he said.

Julie Docherty, the regional executive vice-president of PSAC, said in the release "the union is still optimistic that a new contract can be concluded without a work stoppage.”

No further negotiations are currently scheduled, and the employees can strike or be locked out as of Friday.

The society has offices in Watson Lake, Dawson City, Haines Junction and Whitehorse.

Elaine Schiman, a cabinet spokesperson, said this morning Health and Social Services Minister Doug Graham will not comment on the negotiations.

Neither Geick or Docherty could be reached for further details on the situation, such as the affected employees' wage ranges.