High school educator Greg Pollard’s daily routine has undergone a significant transformation. Instead of being in the classroom, he now dedicates most of his time in his basement operating a heat press machine to create and sell personalized clothing. What initially started as a means to ensure timely delivery of custom jerseys for his school’s sports teams has evolved into a side business, Bean & Bud Custom Designs, which has become crucial for his financial stability.
Amid a provincewide strike affecting approximately 51,000 teachers in Alberta, Pollard and his fellow educators face financial challenges as they forego their regular paychecks. Despite being aware that they would not receive strike pay after rejecting the province’s latest offer by 89.5%, teachers like Pollard are willing to make this sacrifice, as expressed by the union president.
As the strike extends beyond a week, many Alberta teachers, including Pollard, are exploring alternative sources of income to make ends meet. Cochrane teacher Natalie Roy is revitalizing her photography business, Whimsical West Photography, during this period, although rebuilding her client base has proven more challenging than anticipated. Similarly, Airdrie music teacher Sarah Batchelor finds solace and supplemental income through crocheting and selling hair scrunchies and mug cozies, which also serve as a creative outlet during this emotionally taxing time.
According to Christian Cook, a human resources professor at Mount Royal University specializing in employee and labor relations, the trend of teachers engaging in side hustles during strikes is not surprising. Cook notes that strikes are lasting longer in recent years, prompting more individuals to turn to gig work to offset the impact of lost wages. While side gigs can help mitigate income loss, solidarity among striking workers remains crucial for the success of the job action.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association permits teachers to seek additional employment during the strike, emphasizing that tutoring students they currently teach is prohibited, aligning with the Teacher Code of Conduct. Following the commencement of the strike on October 6, both the province and the teachers’ union are scheduled to resume bargaining discussions on Tuesday, marking a significant development in the ongoing labor dispute.
