PARTIES Southern Pacific Transporation Company
 and
 DIYUTE Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes
 STATEMENT "1. That the Carrier's decision to dismiss
 J. T. Ruffus from its service on May 8,
 1984, was in violation of the agreement.
 2. That Carrier shall now be required to
 reinstate Mr. Ruffus to his former posi
 tion with seniority and all other rights
 restored unimpaired and with compensation
 for all wage loss suffered."

 FINDINGS
Upon the whole record, after hearing, the Board finds that the parties herein are Carrier and Employees within the meaning of the Railway Labor Act, as amended, and that this Board is duly constituted under Public Law 89-456 and has jurisdiction of the parties and the subject matter.

 Claimant was dismissed from service for being absent without authority for 14 days from February 6 through March 22, 1984, and also for altering a doctor's release slip for several of those days.

 From the entire record of this matter, several facts must be noted. First, it is evident that claimant did have a valid medical excuse for several of the days he was absent. Further, he alleges that he called in on most of the other days. Carrier does not agree, claiming that he called in on only one, or perhaps two, days. There is also a dispute with respect to the alleged alteration of the dates on the medical excuses. In addition, due to the nature of the remote workplace and motel living of the gang, including the foreman, communication was more difficult than normally the case.

 Based on an evaluation of the entire record, it is believed that the discipline imposed to date is sufficient and that claimant should now be reinstated to his
 PLB-2439 - Z - Award No. 96

 former position with all rights unimpaired but without compensation for time lost. The time out of work shall be considered to have been a disciplinary layoff. He must be made aware, additionally, that this is his last chance to conform to Carrier's rules.

 AWARD'
                Claim sustained in part; claimant shall be reinstated to his former position with all rights unimpaired but without compensation for time lost. His time out of service shall be considered to have been a disciplinary layoff.


ORDER
                Carrier will comply with the award herein within thirty (30) days from the date hereof.


                I~L. I.; s';


                  . M. Lieberman, Neutra - ha rman


    . -oose, Employee ember L. c er ing, carrier a er


San Francisco, California January 31 , 1986