Conciliation is scheduled to begin in February between staff and Hope Grey Bruce Mental Health and Addictions Services.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union says the employer delayed the date from January 11.
The 65 members voted last October in favour of a strike, after bargaining for more than a year.
The key concern is that members have only received a one percent wage hike in the past ten years, while management's pay regularly increases.
Workers are also asking for dental benefits.
OPSEU Unit Steward and Bargaining Team Chair Andrew Drake said the employees are frustrated.
"Our members have stood out in the wind and the snow at information pickets because we are serious about our commitment to the workplace and our community," he said. "I know this contract can be easily settled once it is a priority."
OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas said there should be no difficulty reaching an agreement.
"This is a matter of priorities and respect," said Thomas. "When these workers joined OPSEU in 2016, the employer was put on notice that we expect them to negotiate a fair collective agreement for these workers and that they have the full support of their union to back them up."
About 2,000 people use the services of the non-profit agency each year. HopeGreyBruce Mental Health and Addictions Services runs two addictions programs and eight community mental health programs.
Drake hopes the conciliator will help them reach a fair deal February 13.
