High school educator Greg Pollard has shifted his daily routine significantly. Rather than being in a traditional classroom setting, he now dedicates much of his time in his basement operating a heat press machine to create and sell personalized clothing. Initially, Pollard started this venture to ensure timely delivery of custom jerseys for his school’s sports teams. However, it evolved into a supplementary income source during challenging financial times. Presently, his enterprise, Bean & Bud Custom Designs, is his primary source of sustenance.
Pollard, who teaches various subjects in Fort McMurray, Alberta, emphasized the critical role his business plays in sustaining him, especially during the ongoing strike when approximately 51,000 teachers across the province are without their regular salaries. Despite knowing that they would not receive strike pay following an overwhelming 89.5% rejection of the provincial offer, teachers, including Pollard, deemed it a necessary sacrifice, as indicated by the teachers’ union president.
As the strike surpasses one week, numerous Alberta educators, like Pollard, are exploring alternative income streams to make ends meet and unleash their creative talents. For instance, teacher Natalie Roy from Cochrane is reigniting her photography business, Whimsical West Photography, although rebuilding her client base has proven more challenging than anticipated. Similarly, Airdrie music teacher Sarah Batchelor finds solace and financial relief in crafting and selling crocheted items like hair scrunchies and mug cozies, essential for her mental well-being amidst the disruption of her regular teaching routine.
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 gigs during strikes is not surprising. Cook noted that with strikes lasting longer nowadays compared to previous years, and the increasing prevalence of gig work due to escalating living costs, more individuals are seeking supplementary income avenues to offset the financial impact of job actions.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association has reassured educators that taking up additional work during the strike is permissible, except for tutoring students they currently teach, in adherence to the Teacher Code of Conduct. As negotiations between the province and the teachers’ union are slated to resume on Tuesday after the strike’s commencement on October 6, there is a glimmer of hope for a potential resolution.