Steady with Struck!
Region IV Family:
The ballots have been mailed and received by some members and with your vote, I am sharing my commitment to you and my intention to continue to grow and improve Region IV for the next three-year term and beyond. Leaders are responsible for setting a vision, making strategic decisions, and ensuring that their teams meet objectives. The following are my “Key Aspects of Accountability” I commit to while effectively building trust, improving performance and ensuring that responsibilities are clearly defined and met:
Key Aspects of Accountability:
Transparency: Being open about actions, decisions, and performance.
Responsibility: Acknowledging and taking ownership of tasks and outcomes.
Answerability: Being prepared to explain and justify actions and decisions.
Consequences: Accepting and facing the outcomes of one's actions, whether positive or negative.
Region IV is powered by you, the people of PASS! My track record speaks volumes, from my genuine commitment to making a positive difference through successful initiatives or tireless advocacy on behalf of protecting our working conditions and rights, and growth in our membership. With that being said, the experiences and perspectives you bring to our community are our Union’s most valuable assets. Several years ago, to show the value of our membership, we began a program to send care packages to our members who were experiencing difficulties (e.g. illness & hospitalization or death of a family member) and to share in the joy of member's lives when they give birth to or adopt a new child. I will continue to strive to show you are valued and endeavor to recognize your efforts that make our organization successful.
Transparency & Information Sharing: I’ve developed tools and resources to share information more efficiently and to provide visibility on all the programs and initiatives involving our members. My vision for Region IV is to provide access to more information for the representatives. These specific tools are undergoing an internal beta test which we expect to be ready for deployment early next year. Once populated, these tools will address some issues with transparent information sharing to our Region IV Leaders and onward to the membership. In any union organization, effective information sharing is not merely a best practice; it is a foundational element that strengthens our collective voice, enhances our strategic decision-making, and fosters a more engaged and informed membership. Proper interfaces between programs and initiatives in AVS are broken or nonexistent and “We” can fill that gap and connect the pieces to highlight your contributions and achievements. Under my leadership, Region IV will play a role in aligning agency organizational goals with worker needs and expectations. This alignment can lead to more cohesive efforts towards achieving shared objectives. I believe when members participate in strategic discussions, it will help ensure long-term planning as it will incorporate both organizational goals and workers’ welfare, leading to sustainable success.
Here are several of my key reasons robust information sharing and communication will lead Region IV into the future:
Informed Decision-Making: I strongly believe, by providing access to timely and accurate information it will enable our leadership and members to make well-informed decisions. Whether it's negotiating mid-term contractual issues or concerns, addressing workplace issues, or planning union activities, having the right information will ensure that our decisions are based on comprehensive understanding and strategic foresight.
Enhanced Collaboration: My next vision is to ensure transparent communication to encourage collaboration among members, committees, and leadership (internal to PASS and the Agency). By documenting and sharing relevant updates, insights, and progress reports internally, we can work more effectively as a cohesive unit, aligning our efforts towards common goals and addressing challenges collectively.
Strengthened Solidarity: Although I’m not perfect, I do accept constructive feedback and/or criticism. I do hear member voices loud and clear, so my focus is to address those concerns. I want to reiterate that effective information sharing is a cornerstone of our union's strength and success. In the next three (3) years and beyond, I will continue to foster an environment of openness and collaboration, further enhance our ability to fight and advocate for our rights, achieve our goals, and build a stronger, more unified Region IV. It is a matter of fact, when members are kept informed about key issues, achievements, and ongoing efforts, it reinforces our collective identity and commitment to shared objectives.
Member Engagement: As I have since day one when we increased communications to the membership, I will continue to keep members informed about union activities, decisions, and development that encourages greater engagement and participation with our Article 23, Committees and Workgroups. I strongly believe an informed membership is more likely to contribute actively, advocate for our causes, and support union initiatives. I encourage all members to actively participate in our communication processes. This includes attending meetings, reviewing updates, and providing feedback. Additionally, the Region IV leadership will continue to prioritize transparency and ensure that information is disseminated in a clear, accessible, and timely manner.
Leadership & Member Development: As we continue to navigate an evolving work environment and address the complex challenges facing our union, it is essential that I invest in the ongoing development of our representatives and our workforce. I will continue to work with the National Office and the Executive Board to increase training benefits for our members of Region IV. Enhancing training programs are not only an investment in our members' skills and knowledge but also a strategic move that will strengthen our union’s effectiveness and overall impact. I believe a well-trained membership is a powerful asset during negotiations and advocacy efforts. By increasing our collective knowledge and skills, we can better address the needs and interests of our members and advocate more effectively for their rights.
Improving Industry Partnerships: I’ve already been engaged in developing robust relationships with labor partners, industry leaders and organizations that will enhance our ability to influence policy decisions and advocate for our members' interests in Region IV. By aligning our goals with industry trends and challenges, we can better position ourselves to effect positive change. Strengthening those relationships will open opportunities for joint training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives as mentioned as a benefit of training.
Promote Our Profession: The great work you are all doing for our members, our Union, and the work you are doing to enhance safety in the National Airspace System needs to be celebrated. I’ve received feedback that some of you are interested in an increased social media presence, and I have already begun to develop the framework of a program to increase our social media engagement for Region IV to celebrate you and the selfless work you perform to the industry and the flying public. There's more detailed information available that I’d be happy to share with you-please let me know if you’d like to discuss further.
These goals will not be achieved overnight, and they will require the continued support and work of our membership to achieve, but they are achievable and will benefit PASS 4 ALL! I am asking for your vote not just because I am a passionate and qualified incumbent, but because I am committed to making a meaningful difference. Your vote will enable us to achieve our shared vision and drive forward the changes we need. Let us seize this opportunity to shape a brighter future. Your vote is not just a choice for leadership; it is a commitment to progress, integrity, collaboration, and success. I am excited about the possibility of working with you to achieve great things and continuing to build on what makes this union great…You the people!
Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am eager to discuss my vision further and answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to reach out to me via my website at www.benstruck.me.
Together, let’s make a difference!
In Solidarity,
Ben Struck
Region IV Vice President
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS)