AWARD NO. 523
CASE NO. 557
PUBLIC LAW BOARD NO. 1582
PARTIES) THE ATCHISON, TOPEKA AND SANTA FE RAILWAY COMPANY
TO )
DISPUTE) BROTHERHOOD OF MAINTENANCE OF WAY EMPLOYEES
STATEMENT OF CLAIM:
1. That the Carrier's decision to remove Western Region, Darin
Jones from service was unjust.
2.That the Carrier now reinstate Claimant Jones with Seniority,
vacation, all benefit rights unimpaired and pay for all wage loss
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a result of investigation held 10:00 a.m., October 21, 1994
continuing forward and/or otherwise made whole, because the Carrier
did not introduce substantial, credible evidence that proved that
the claimant violated the rules enumerated in their decision, and
even if claimant violated the ruled enumerated in the decision,
removal from service is extreme and harsh discipline under the
circumstances.
3. That the Carrier violated the Agreement, particularly but not
limited to, Rule 13 and Appendix 11 because the Carrier did not
introduce substantial, credible evidence that proved the claimant
violated the rules enumerated in their decision.
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 a formal investigation was held on October 21, 1994
in Fresco, California concerning the claimant's alleged responsibility involving his being absent without proper authority on
September 7, 21, and 22, 1994; insubordinate, quarrelsome, hostile,
threatening and profane on September 19 and 20, 1994, and asleep on
duty on September 20, 1994.
The claimant did not appear for the investigation. However, receipt
for the letter scheduling the investigation was received from the
claimant and was presented in evidence. The investigation was
delayed when the BMWE representative for the claimant asked that
a delay of 45 minutes be allowed in order for the claimant to appear.
Evidence of record indicates that Section Foreman Garcia testified
that the claimant was assigned to his gang on September 19 through
23, 1994 at Pittsburg, California. He also testified he witnessed
a confrontation on September 19 between the claimant and David
Wullenweber, at which time the claimant used abusive, hostile and
threatening language. This witness further testified he talked
with the claimant and explained such behavior was not acceptable
on the Santa Fe.
Page
Award No. 523
Foreman Garcia testified another incident occurred on September
20, 1994 involving a confrontation between the claimant and Track
Supervisor Clements wherein he stated the claimant became hostile,
profane, and sbusive and threatening to Supervisor Clements. This
witness stated the claimant finally became so agitated during the
confrontation he made an obscene gesture to Supervisor Clements
and continued to use abusive and profane language.
Foreman Garcia also testified the claimant was absent without
proper authority on September 21 and 22, 1994.
Track Supervisor Clements testified that on September 20, 1994
he noticed the claimant reclining in the section truck with his
hat over his head. He stated that when he discussed the sleeping
incident with the claimant, the claimant became agitated and used
abusive, profane and hostile language.
Welder Helper David Wullenweber testified he was assisting Pittsburg Section on September 19, 1994, and the claimant was hostile
and threatening toward him on that occasion.
Under the circumstances herein there is no justification for the
Board to set aside the discipline assessed by the Carrier.
AWARD: Claim denied.
PrestozLXJ. Moore,
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Union Member
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Carrier Member