Reducing Financial Burden During Job Action

Without employment income, members who lack significant savings may need to take steps to 
reduce financial pressures. Below are practical strategies and scripts to help you manage your 
finances during this challenging period.

Make sure to download your pay statements from your division’s system before labour action 
begins at 12:01 AM on October 6. You may need to provide documentation of your finances for 
lenders and creditors.

Short-Term Mortgage Relief
Mortgage lenders and banks may offer short-term mortgage relief options, allowing clients to 
reduce or pause payments or to pay only the interest. Contact your mortgage lender to learn what 
options are available during periods of low or no income.
Script: “Due to labour action, I am experiencing a temporary income interruption. I am 
requesting a mortgage relief arrangement, such as a payment deferral or interest-only payments, 
for [X] months. I can provide documentation upon request. Please advise on available options 
and next steps.”

Hardship Programs from Creditors
Contact your creditors (banks, vehicle loans, student loans, credit card companies) and ask about 
any hardship programs they may offer. Some may allow clients to delay payments or lower 
interest rates temporarily.
Script: “Due to temporary hardship caused by labour action, can you reduce my rate or allow 
interest-only payments for [X] months?”

Debt Consolidation Loan
Get in touch with your bank about a debt consolidation loan to lower your monthly payments.

Script: “I’m facing a temporary loss of income due to labour action. I would like to discuss 
options for consolidating my debts or adjusting my payment schedule to help manage my 
monthly obligations.”

Payment Relief or Temporary Discontinuation of Service from Utility Providers
Utility providers (power, gas, Internet, cellular) may offer temporary payment relief or permit the 
temporary discontinuation of service (without a fee for resuming the service). Make a list of your 
utility providers and contact each to find out what hardship relief options they can provide.
Script: “I’m facing temporary income loss because of labour action. Can you set up a payment 
plan on my account to prevent disconnection?”

Deferred Payment of Property Taxes
Reach out to your municipality to discuss options for deferring the payment of your property 
taxes.

Script: “I’m experiencing a temporary income loss due to labour action. I would like to know if 
there are options to defer or arrange payment of my property taxes during this period.”

Payment Arrangements for Municipal Services
If you are billed monthly by your municipality for water, sewer, garbage and similar services,
contact the town or city office and ask to speak to the financial services department about options 
available for residents experiencing financial hardship.

Script: “I’m facing a temporary loss of income due to labour action. Could you let me know if 
there are any payment arrangements or hardship programs available to help avoid service 
disruption?”

Besides reaching out to lenders and service providers, you may find it useful to focus on 
essential spending for now. Prioritize necessities (such as housing, food, utilities and 
medications) and consider cutting back on or pausing discretionary costs (such as dining out, 
entertainment and travel) to better manage your finances during strike action.

WORTH SHARING
Labour action will start at 12:01 AM on October 6 and will affect all members financially. To 
lessen this impact, members are encouraged to review their finances now, download pay 
statements before labour action begins in order to keep a clear record for lenders and creditors, 
and contact service providers to discuss available hardship options. 

Questions? Contact Teacher Employment Services at 1-800-232-7208.
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