The Claimant was dismissed on May 18, 2007 for failing to follow instructions and falsification of his time claim for April 26. At the time of his dismissal, the Claimant had less than three years of service time with the Carrier. His work record contained a warning and a reprimand for absence, as well as a medical disqualification due to a positive drug test upon return from furlough.

Our review of the record does not reveal any procedural irregularities of significance. Turning to the merits, the record contains substantial evidence establishing that the Claimant was instructed to report to his normal headquarters point at 7:00 A.M. before departing to attend a NORAC rules class scheduled to begin at 8:00 A.M. He was further instructed to return to his work location after the class to complete his ten-hour work day. The rules class concluded at 2:00 P.M. The Claimant did not report at the start of the work day as instructed, nor did he return to the work site after class as he was instructed to do. Moreover, he did not call his supervisor to report any problems or reasons for his failure to return to work. Although the rules class was only six hours in duration, the Claimant reported that he worked eight hours when asked the following workday.

Given the foregoing factors, we must find that the Carrier's determination that the Claimant was guilty of the violations with which he was charged is supported by substantial evidence in the record. In light of the nature of his misconduct, when coupled with his prior disciplinary record, the Carrier's decision to terminate his employment is not unreasonable. The claim, therefore, must be denied.

AWARD