PARTIES) ATCHISON, TOPEKA AND SANTA FE RAILWAY COMPANY TO ) DISPUTE) BROTHERHOOD OF MAINTENANCE OF WAY EMPLOYEES

 STATEMENT OF CLAIM: Claim in behalf of former Trackman K. G. Ranes,
 Los Angeles Division, for reinstatement to his former position as
 trackman with seniority, vacation and all other rights unimpaired
 and compensation for wage loss beginning May 23, 1974 continuing
 forward until he is restored to service. -

 FINDINGS: This Public Law Board No. 1582 finds that the parties herein are Carrier and Employee within the meaning of the Railway Labor Act; as amended, and that this Board has jurisdiction.

 In this dispute claimant was dismissed from the service of the Carrier for being absent from duty. The claimant was notified by registered mail of the formal investigation but did not attend.

 Evidence was submitted that the claimant had been absent for a period of two months without authority and that at the close of the invesgigation claimant was dismissed from the sefvice of the Carrier. The Organization contends that under the circumstances permanent dismissal was too severe.

 The Board has examined the record and finds there was sufficient evidence for the Carrier to reach their decision. In view of the fact that the claimant was not interested enough to appear at the investigation there certainly is no reason to overrule the decision o£ the Carrier.

 AWARD: Claim denied.


                              Organization Member J


                              Carrll ,-member