AUTOMOTIVE
A Boost in the Gig Economy
AMA is improving winter response times — by teaming up with local businesses.
By Kait Kucy
During winter months the demand for battery boosting service spikes at AMA. Having additional providers through the gig program means faster response times and service when members need it most. | PHOTO: ROMASET/ADOBE STOCK
ALBERTA CAN SEE EXTREME WEATHER — and while we’re all currently gearing up for the summer months — the reality is that a cold snap comes our way at least once a year. AMA is always ready to mobilize its roadside operators during high-volume periods, but spikes in service requests over cold periods have challenged the team to think outside the box in how to best serve members.
AMA’s Gig 365 Program was born when the roadside assistance team recognized an opportunity to increase its workforce: extreme cold weather causes many industries, like construction and landscaping, to pause work. Jesse Woytkiw, an AMA automotive support specialist who now manages the Gig 365 program, reached out to hundreds of local, incorporated businesses to work with. The deal? Lend us your workers during these cold snaps and we’ll train them to boost batteries — a beneficial situation for everyone.
“We have heard specifically that adding a tertiary revenue stream has allowed many high-season industries to keep staffing numbers up during the slow season,” Woytkiw says, adding that the program is all about better serving members. During an extreme weather event in January of 2024, AMA received upwards of 65,000 support call requests in a 10-day period — five times the average normal volumes. This last February during a comparable weather event, members saw a “drastic” decrease in wait times compared to previous cold snaps, thanks to the extra gig workers that were pulled in.
“AMA’s gig-powered boosting service means fast, reliable assistance when members need it most.”
For the drivers themselves, AMA’s Gig 365 program offers the perfect blend of flexibility, financial reward and job satisfaction.
AMA gig driver Arvinder Singh says he finds the work fulfilling, recalling how grateful members are when rescued from freezing parking lots. AMA’s strong support system, which includes an efficient dispatch team, makes the job seamless. “I couldn’t have asked for anything better,” says Singh.
AMA’s gig-powered boosting service means fast, reliable assistance when members need it most. Doug Banks is definitely a satisfied AMA member. He was impressed by how quickly help arrived — even beating the initial time estimate. “The driver was personable, professional and quickly addressed the issue.”
As the job market evolves, AMA’s Gig 365 program is providing significant benefit to both workers and our communities by helping members receive faster service when they need it most.” AMA