PARTIES Consolidated Rail Brotherhood of Maintenance
 to Corporation and of Way Employes
 DISPUTE:

 STATEMENT OF CLAIM:
 Appeal of Trackman J. G. Sherwood to have his discipline of dismissal set aside and to be restored to the service. FINDINGS: The basic matter under dispute here results from the Carrier's charge that the Claimant had been excessively absent from - his work without proper authority. Subsequent to an investigation, held in absentia, the Carrier found the Claimant guilty of the charge and he was dismissed from the service.
 The Board is not unmindful of the Organization's vigorous arguments in the record and before us. However, here it is clear that the Claimant was given a number of opportunities to participate in the investigation surrounding the charges against him. While the Board does not favor investigations in which the Claimant does not participate, his failure to appear was of his choice. We find that the hearing was conducted in a proper manner and that he was well and actively defended.
 Further, the Board finds that the Carrier's decision in this case was based upon valid consideration, and, accordingly, we have
 PLB No. 3514 C-123 A-118
 Page 2

 no basis to disturb the discipline assessed under the circumstances of this record.

      The claim is denied.


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. J. Do lski Eckehard uessig J. P. Cassese
 ,C rrier,. emb'r Neutral Member Employee Member

 Dated: DEC 4 S--3