PARTIES) THE ATCHISON, TOPEKA & SANTA FE RAILWAY COMPANY TO ) DISPUTE) BROTHERHOOD OF MAINTENANCE OF WAY EMPLOYES

 STATEMENT OF CLAIM: That the Carrier's decision to remove Claimant
 moo s rom service was unjust; That the Carrier now reinstate
 Claimant Woods with seniority, vacation, all benefit rights unim
 paired and pay for all wage loss as a result of investigation held
 August 17, 1984 continuing forward and/or otherwise made whole,
 because the Carrier did not introduce substantial creditable evi
 dence that proved that the Claimant violated the rules enumerated
 in their decision, and even if Claimant violated the rules enumer
 ated in the decision, permanent removal from service is extreme
 and harsh discipline under the circumstances.

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

 In this dispute, the claimant was notified to attend an investigation in Amarillo, Texas on August 17, 1984 concerning his alleged use of a Company credit card to purchase gasoline for his personal vehicle. The investigation has been reported and the testimony and evidence contained therein has been examined.

 The claimant admitted his guilt and admitted that he knew it was wrong at the time. He stated during the investigation that he knew he would be dismissed. From his statements, he appeared to be a sincere employee and regretted his actions. However, this Board does not have the authority to overrule the decision of the Carrier. Under the circumstances, the claim is denied.

 AWARD: Claim denied.

Dated at Chicago, I11 Union Member
 October 22, 1984
 Cam er~