PARTIES TO DISPUTE:


STATEMENT OF CLAIM: Claim of the General Committee of the Brotherhood of Railroad


Appeal of discipline assessed against S. H. Steiner by notice dated April 29, 1982 -- thirty days suspension, deferred six months. (System Locket 1859-D-Eastern Region Case EH-SI-29-821

OPINION OF BOARD: The Claimant in this dispute was charged with violating a
number of the Carrier's Rules as a result of his alleged
involvement in an altercation. Following a trial, he was assessed a thirty (30)
day deferred suspension.

The Carrier has raised certain procedural objections to the claim which we find are not supported by the record and, accordingly, these are set aside.

With respect to the merits, the Board notes the absence of eye witnesses to the alleged event and the denial by the two persons who, it is contended, were involved in the altercation. Under these circumstances, the Carrier has not met its burden of proof, and the suspension will be removed from the Claimant's record.





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





        Claim sustained.


                          NATIONAL RAILROAD ADJUSTMENT BOARD

                          By Order of Third Division


Attest
        Nancy J. r - Executive Secretary


Dated at Chicago, Illinois, this 29th day of March 1985.