PARTIES Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes
 TO
 DISPUTE: and -
 CSX Transportation, Inc.
 STATEMENT The termination of Trackman L. L. Davis' seniority--
 OF
 CLAIM: was without just and sufficient cause. He shall
 be reinstated with seniority and all other rights
 unimpaired and compensation for all wage loss
 suffered beginning on January 27, 1986, the date
 of his release by his doctor for return to work.
 FINDINGS: The Carrier's position is that claimant resigned
 from its service on October 10, 1985 when he in
 formed his foreman, A. R. Conner, that he was
 quitting Carrier's service in order to embark
 on a business venture of his own. Conner re
 ported that development to Roadmaster Edwards
 and Carrier's were noted to show a resignation.
 While claimant recalled the conversation which
 took place when his Section Gang was at work, he insists that he
 said "I quit" jokingly and that "we always take nothing serious,
 all of us, when we work together." Conner and Signal Maintainer
 Griffin both testified that claimant said that day he was quitting
 379Y - y~(

 and that he did so in a very serious manner.
 Carrier's position is supported to -a considerable-. extent by the fact that nothing was heard from claimant after October 10 until two months later, in December.
 The difficulty with Carrier's position, however, is that it never obtained a signed statement of resignation or indeed until after claimant reappeared and sought to return to work, did not send him any written confirmation as to his resignation and the incident of October 10.
 A resignation from employment is a very serious matter and is not treated as informally by an employer as it appears to have been in this case. The record is not sufficient to support Carrier's contention that claimant resigned and no charge or finding has been made with respect to long unexcusel absence.

pay.

 AWARD:

 Claimant reinstated with seniority rights unim
 paired but without back pay. To be effective

 within 30 days.

 dopted at Jacksonville, Florida, ~:~l~,t 17) 1987.

 7-~go

 Carrier Member

 Har 1 M. Weston, Chairman