In Fort McMurray, Alberta, high school teacher Greg Pollard has shifted from the classroom to his basement, where he now spends most of his time operating his custom design clothing business using a heat press machine. Initially, Pollard started making customized jerseys for his school’s sports teams to ensure timely delivery. However, with financial constraints, his business, Bean & Bud Custom Designs, has become a vital source of income during the current strike.
With approximately 51,000 teachers statewide forgoing regular pay during the strike after rejecting the province’s latest offer, many educators like Pollard have resorted to side hustles to make ends meet. Cochrane teacher Natalie Roy is reviving her photography business, Whimsical West Photography, while Airdrie music teacher Sarah Batchelor is finding solace and additional income by selling handmade crocheted items like hair scrunchies and mug cozies.
As the strike prolongs, more teachers are exploring alternative income sources. Christian Cook, a human resources professor at Mount Royal University, notes that longer strikes and the increasing prevalence of gig work due to the rising cost of living have led to teachers diversifying their income streams. The Alberta Teachers’ Association allows teachers to seek supplementary work during the strike, except for tutoring their current students, emphasizing solidarity among educators.
In response to the ongoing strike, the province and teachers’ union are scheduled to resume bargaining discussions, offering a glimmer of hope for a resolution. This period of uncertainty has compelled teachers to adapt and find innovative ways to navigate financial challenges while staying true to their commitment to education.