to the
Dispute
PUBLIC LAW BOARD N0. 3542
Pennsylvania Federation Brotherhood of
Maintenance of Way Employes
VS.
Consolidated Rail Corporation
STATEMENT OF CLAIM
(a) That R. B. Smith, employed for 18 years, be compensated for the two days loss of wages due to being suspended unjustly and without due cause.
(b) That R. B. Smith's record be cleared of all charges
brought against him.
OPINION OF THE BOARD
Claimant R. B. Smith, a Track Foreman at Enola, Pennsylvania,
was charged with failure to follow instructions,
which
resulted in
a work delay. A full hearing was held September 29, 1982, at which
Claimant was found guilty and assessed a two-day suspension. The
transcript of that hearing has been made a part of the record of
this case.
This Board has carefully reviewed that record and concludes
that there is no reason to believe that Claimant received an unfair
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Case No. 16
PLB-3542 -Z- Awd. $15
Case lI16
hearing.
As to the merits of the case, it is clear that Claimant failed
to follow instructions properly. If Claimant was in any way confused
or uncertain about his duties on the day in question, it was his
responsibility to take time to ask for clarification before leaving
for the work site. In a complex work environment requiring the
coordinated interaction of people and machinery, there is little
room for uncertainty. It is crucial to organizational efficiency
that instructions be followed. This Board can find no basis upon
which to modify the penalty imposed.
AWARD
The claim is denied.
R. E. Dennis, Neutral Member
J Dodd, Employe Member R. 0 eil, Carrier Member
Date of Adoption