As Third Party in Interest, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers was advised of the pendency of this dispute and chose to file a Submission with the Board.
On February 28, 1992, Carman Z. Whitlock was instructed to remove and replace a coupler on Engine 6016 in the Roundhouse of pit 6 at the Carrier's Locomotive Shop in Cumberland, Maryland. Carman Whitlock requested assistance replacing the coupler and a Machinist Helper was assigned to assist him. It took Carman Whitlock approximately one hour to replace the coupler. The Machinist Helper remained with Carman Whitlock while he installed the coupler.
The Organization contends that the work performed by the Machinist Helper was work reserved exclusively to Carmen by Classification of Work Rule 138, but this Board must respectfully disagree. The Machinist Helper assisted Carman Whitlock with carrying and lifting a knuckle. However, the installation was performed by Carman Whitlock. The task of lifting a knuckle is a simple task that does not require any special skills or training. It is not the type of work generally recognized as Carmen's work, nor has it been performed exclusively by Carmen on this property.
The Carrier estimated that the actual time expended by the Machinist Helper in carrying and lifting the knuckle was no more than 15 minutes although he elected to remain with Carman Whitlock for the hour it took him to replace the knuckle on Engine 6016. There is no evidence in the record to refute this estimate. Accordingly, a Carman would not have been called to perform such de minimis work even if lifting and carrying a knuckle was considered exclusive Carmen's work. The claim must therefore be denied.
This Board, after consideration of the dispute identified above, hereby orders that an award favorable to the Claimant(s) not be made.