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

 STATEMENT OF CLAIM: Claim in behalf of Maintenance of Way employee R. B. Chowning, for reinstatement to his former position as trackman on the Illinois Division with seniority, vacation and all other rights unimpaired and compensation for wage loss begining February 7, 1975 continuing forward to the date he is restored to service.

 FINDINGS: This Public Law Board 'To. 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 the claimant was dischar.ged for being absent without proper authority on December 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 23, of 1974 in violation of Rule 16.

 The Board is unable to determine if the claimant attempted to lay off and for that reason finds that permanent dismissal is too severe. The Claimant's demerit record will stand as it was at the time, but it is the finding of the Board that the claimant should be reinstated with seniority and all other rights unimpaired but without pay for time lost.

 AWARD:' Claim sustained as per above.

 ORDER: The Carrier is directed to comply with this award within thirty days from the date of this award.
                                Preston J. Moore, Chairman c sd/ S. E. Fl eming Organization Member


                                sd/ B. J. East

                                Carrier Member