Since the filing of the AMR Bankruptcy, there has been a growing concern as to the ability of Locals to continue to properly represent their members. With the removal of the “Baker Letter” from within the M!E contracts, this has become a reality. The Baker letter was negotiated in 1993 (attached) to cover Local officers’ salaries at a percentage of represented members on a per capita scale. During Self Determination in 1999, it was negotiated to include the newly formed line Local’s Presidents in this formula. In the recent round of negotiations, the M/R negotiation committee decided to remove this provision of the contract.