PARTIES Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Emnloyes
 to - - _and--
 DISPUTE: Consolidated Rail Corporation

 STATEMENT OF CLAIM:

FINDINGS: The evidence shows that the Claimant had been returned to
 duty after he had provided a negative urine sample. However, about
 three months after his return to duty, he tested positive for prohibited
 drugs. He was separated from the service.
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 These are difficult cases for all concerned, particularly forthe Organization. It has forcefully and with-skill.advanced its many concerns with respect to the application of the Carrier's Drug Policy. In this respect, it has raised questions about and objections to the Carrier's testing procedures as well as the Carrier's failure to producc medical personnel at the hearing held on this matter who could speak authoritatively about the validity of the urine test and be crossexamined so that relevant information could be elicited.
 The Board has carefully considered these contentions. We under- -stand the points raised by the Organization.and do recognize that they-are not without merit in certain situations.- However, the record here shows that the Carrier employed a highly reputable testing facility, which used the latest techniques and procedures to assure the accuracy of its tests. Therefore, it is established that the test result is a "medical fact" as distinguished from a "medical opinion". Accordingly, the failure to have a medical person present at the hearing for crossexamination does not fatally flaw the fairness of the proceedings.
 Railroad work is dangerous. The safety of the Carrier's workforce, as well as the public, requires positive measures to ensure that the inherent dangers are minimized. In furtherance of these efforts, the Carrier initiated a drug testing program which it announced to each of ___ its employees, as noted earlier. The substance of the Carrier's program as well as ones like it used by other Carriers. has been upheld by numerous arbitral Awards. Given the established facts of this case, we have no basis to arrive at an Award that runs counter-to these many Awards. In the instant case, the Claimant was put on notice and, in effect, he was provided another opportunity to retain his employment. The consequences of his failure to comply with the Carrier's direction were of his choice.



E'. J. Domzals c2. Eckehard Muessig.· ~' -- J. P. Cassese
 Carrier Mesnbr6r Neutral Member' Employee Member

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