PUBLIC LAW
BOARD No
. 4381: CASE No. 26
BROTHERHOOD OF MAINTENANCE OF WAY EMPLOYES
v.
BURLINGTON NORTHERN RAILROAD
STATEMENT OF CLAIM
1. The dismissal of Grinder Operator L. D. Metzger following an investigation,
which was neither fair nor impartial, for alleged violation of Rules
564 and 572 of the Burlington Northern Safety Rules and General Rules,
was without just and sufficient cause and in violation of the Agreement
(System
File B-Y-307
/BMWE 86-5-27B).
_. The Claimant shall be reinstated with seniority unimpaired and he shall
be compensated for all wage loss suffered.
FINDINGS
The Claimant, Mr. Louis D. Metzger, had been given permission by Roadmaster
Yauney to sleep in a pick-up truck camper on Carrier property and to use
the restroom of the Carrier's lunchroom/toolhouse. On the night of
\ovember 19, 1985, Roadmaster Yauney stopped at that facility. He found
`!r. Metzger in the restroom; at that time Mr. Metzger was ill with the flu
and suffering with diarrhea. The following day, November 20, 1985, Roadmaster
Yauney informed Mr. Metzger that he could no longer use the toolhouse restroom
facilities outside working hours, and that he could no longer park his pick-up
truck in the company parking lot other than during assigned working hours.
The next day, November 21, 1985, Mr. Metzger telephoned Mr. Ben Potter,
Assistant Director, Labor Relations, to complain about Mr. Yauney's decision
to deny him use of the Carrier's facilities. During the course of that
telephone conversation, Mr. Metzger stated that, "I ought to" (according
to Mr. Potter) or "Maybe I should" (according to Mr. Metzger) ..."put a
bullet between his (Mr. Yauney's)
eyes
and that would
solve
both our problems."
Because of
Mr. Metzger's statement, the Carrier's Police and Special
Services Department was notified. On November 22, 1985, a Special Agent
took possession of a revolver from Mr. Metzger. At that time, the handgun
was located in Mr. Metzger's pick-up truck, which was located on Carrier
property.
Ronald L. Miller
Chairman and Neutral Member
Moraine M. Timberman
Carrier Member
Organization Member
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