PARTIES TO DISPUTE:
(National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK)
STATEMENT OF CLAIM: "1. My discharge by AMTRAK for excessive absenteeism
was violative of Rule #64 of the collective
bargaining agreement between AMTRAK and the IBMWE., etc,"
OPINION OF BOARD: The Claimant was directed to attend an investigation
scheduled
for November 15, 1979, in connection with her alleged absence
from duty without permission on October 25, 26, 29, 30, 31 and November 1 and 2,
1979. The investigation was held as scheduled, on November 23, 1979, the Car
rier directed a letter of dismissal to the Claimant which the Claimant contends
she did not receive until November 26, 1979.
The Carrier has raised an objection regarding the Board's jurisdiction arguing that because the Claim was not handled in accordance with Rule 24 of the pertinent Agreement, the case is no longer subject to appeal and is barred from consideration under the provisions of Rule 74 and by Section 3(1) of the Railway Labor Act.
In reviewing the record, it is the conclusion of the Board that the Claimant failed to progress the Claim in accordance with the Agreement and, that the Board is without jurisdiction to consider the dispute on its merits. Our finding is based on an analysis of the facts relative to the clear and unambiguous provisions of Rule 74. Rule 74 (Discipline) states in following past:


The record indicates that the Claimant did not appeal the discipline to the Division Engineer's office until January 22, 1980, 61 days after the date of the disciplinary letter. The Claimant's argument suggests that her appeal was timely
under Rule 75; however, Rule 75 clearly applies to grievances "Other Than Discipline."

Inasmuch as the Claim was not handled is the usual manner as specified by the Contract, it is barred.



                  Docket Number MS-24001

        That the parties waived oral hearing;

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 Claim is barred.

                    A W A R D

        Claim dismissed.

                            NATIONAL RAILROAD ADJUSTMENT BOARD

                            By Order of Third Division

ATTEST: Acting Executive Secretary
        National Railroad Adjustment Board


By

7 Rosemarie Brasch - Administrative Assistant


Dated at Chicago, Illinois, this 14th day of April 1983.

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                                      Chicago

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