PARTIES Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes
 TO
 DISPUTE: and
 Seaboard System Railroad (former L&^i Railroad)
 STATEMENT Claim that-W.-R. Nuckabaa shall be reinstated-with
 CLAIM: seniority and all'other rights unimpaired and com
 pensation for all wage loss suffered.
 FINDINGS: Claimant, a welder with over nin.e years service,
 was found guilty on November 9, 1983, in the United
 States District Court for the Middle District of
 Alabama, Northern-.Division, of·possession of:-fire
 arm which had not been registered to him.
 Claimant's guilt of illegal possession of firearm,
 a felony, provides a valid basis for substantial discipline by his
 employer. It.demonstrates a lack of responsibility, poor judgment
 and 'a disregard for the law. In that setting, it was appropriate
 for.Carrier to consider, in determining the measure of discipline,
 the fact that he had previously received lengthy suspensions for
 insubordination (in 1979), theft of an air conditioner (1981), ab
 sence from duty (April 1983) and making false statements (July 1983).
 The record discloses no reversible procedural error.
      a3 ~3 - -~n 5S He did not elect to attend the hearing that was conducted by Carrier in this matter, but was timely advised of the charges against him as well as the time, date and place of that proceeding. No valid ground is perceived for setting aside his dismissal.


      AWARD: Claim denied.


    .- Adopted at Jacksonville, Florida, January .1 g, 1985.


                    Harold M. Weston, Chairman


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