(Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes PARTIES TO DISPUTE: (The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company



(1) The dismissal of Laborer Walter E. Reichert was without just or sufficient cause and was extremely disproportionate to the offense with which charged J_ystem File C(So)-D-500/MG-195.

(2) The decision of dismissal be rescinded and the provisions of Rule 21(e) shall be applied."

OPINION OF BOARD: On May 11, 1977, claimant was notified to attend an
investigation at 10:00 A.M., May 26, 1977, on charge
of excessive absenteeism, with specific dates in March, April and May
listed in the notice.

Claimant acknowledged delivery of the notice of investigation, but he did not appear at the investigation, nor did he request postponement of same. The investigati 1977, claimant was notified of his dismissal from Carrier's service.

Claimant's failure to appear at the investigation was at his peril. There was sufficient evidence introduced to support the charge of excessive absenteeism.

There is no proper basis for this Board to interfere with the discipline imposed.

As we have decided the case on its merits, it is not necessary to pass upon the procedural issues raised.







That the Carrier and the Employes involved in this dispute are respectively Carrier and Employes within the meaning of the Railway Labor Act, as approved June 21, 1934;

That this Division of the Adjustment Board has jurisdiction over the dispute involved herein; and

        That the Agreement was not violated.


                    A W A R D


        Claim denied.


                        rTATIONAL RAILROAD ADJUSTMENT HOARD

                        By Order of Third Division

ATTEST: Lzia~_

        Executive Secretary


Dated at Chicago, Illinois, this 28th day of September 1979.