High school instructor Greg Pollard’s daily routine has undergone a transformation recently. Rather than being in the classroom, he now spends most of his time in his basement operating a heat press machine to produce and sell personalized clothing. What initially began as a means to ensure timely delivery of customized jerseys for his school’s sports teams has evolved into a supplementary income source to support his teaching job during financial difficulties. Pollard’s venture, Bean & Bud Custom Designs, has now become his primary source of income, vital for sustaining him through the ongoing strike period.
With around 51,000 teachers in Alberta facing a halt in regular pay due to the provincewide strike, many educators, including Pollard, have turned to additional income streams to navigate the financial challenges. Cochrane educator Natalie Roy is leveraging this time to revive her photography business, Whimsical West Photography, but notes the difficulty in rebuilding her clientele base. Similarly, Airdrie music teacher Sarah Batchelor finds solace in crafting and selling crocheted items like hair scrunchies and mug cozies, not only for financial support but also as a mental health outlet.
The prolonged duration of strikes in recent years, as highlighted by Christian Cook, a human resources professor at Mount Royal University specializing in employee and labor relations, has led to an increased trend of individuals exploring side gigs. This shift is attributed to the growing participation in gig work, driven by the escalating cost of living. The solidarity among educators seeking alternative income sources during strikes is deemed crucial for the effectiveness of such actions.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association has clarified that teachers are permitted to engage in other work opportunities during the strike, with the exception of tutoring students they currently teach, in adherence to the Teacher Code of Conduct. As negotiations between the province and the teachers’ union are set to resume on Tuesday, both parties are aiming to address the ongoing strike situation.