Ladies and Gentlemen,

Early last year I made the decision to run for Council 89 LEC President. Throughout the campaign I expressed my vision for the office and also made promises to you if elected. With your support I was elected local President in April 2004 and I began my three year term on July 1st last year. 

I took office at a time when the Company was demanding a third round of concessions from us. In September 2004 the Company declared bankruptcy and sought to abrogate our contracts in court. Rather than allow the court to abrogate our contracts the MEC reached a tentative agreement with the Company in December and the 2004 Transition Agreement was ratified in January 2005. The agreement contains many sections that completely changed the way we work; the benefits we have and the compensation we receive. The implementation of the agreement has proved time consuming and challenging. I have tried my best to provide you with as much information as possible regarding the agreement and its' implementation. 

As you know I was elected MEC President elect on August 16th and while I had expected to take office on October 17th I assumed office on August 22nd when the former MEC President, Teddy Xidas, resigned.

The merger with America West has brought new challenges for the leadership and the membership. The merger will require seniority integration, a Transition Agreement and eventually a merged Collective Bargaining Agreement. As the process unfolds the MEC President will be required to be in direct negotiations regarding the Transition Agreement and the merged Collective Bargaining Agreement. Along with the day to day business of the MEC, the time constraints of this merger will be very limiting.

In light of my new responsibilities I feel compelled to resign as Council 89 President effective today.

Ann Crowley will assume the office of President effective October 17, 2005. Glenda Talley will assume the office of Vice President on that date as well. Ann and Glenda will do a great job for our Council. On a personal note I wan to thank both Ann and Glenda for their confidence and support during my tenure as your President. Ann will join me at the AFA Board of Directors meeting this week and will represent Council 89.

I also want to thank all of you for your comments and feedback during my abbreviated term as your local President. I will continue to serve you as the MEC President and welcome any comments or concerns.

It has been my privilege to serve as Council 89 President. 

Thank you,

Mike Flores