PARTIES ) The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company
TO THE ) and
DISPUTE ) Transportation-Communication Employees Union

QUESTIONS








OPINION



According to the organization, "Carrier now operates each station without the services of the former Telegrapher on the first shift." The positions had been abolished and the work was performed by others.

Abolition of a position is not an operational or organizational change, according to Award No. 7 and to many other Awards which followed it. What occurred in this case was a reduction in,force due to a decline in business and the performance of the remaining work by a smaller work force. No violation of Article III is involved.



            1. Question Nos. 1, 3 and 4 have been

                withdrawn by the organization. _


            2. The answer to Question No. 2 is No.


                        44

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                        Milton Friedman Neutral Member


Dated: Washington, D. C.
MarchX7, 1972