Parties to Dispute:





Statement of Claim:

    Claim on behalf of D. K. Williamson requesting reinstatement and pay for time lost as a result of his dismissal from service following formal investigation held on October 22, 1996, in connection with his being absent without permission, failure to comply with instructions, and making false and conflicting statements concerning an alleged on-duty injury.


                  (Carrier File MW-BLUE-96-08)


Upon the whole record and all the evidence, after hearing, the Board finds that the parties herein are carrier and employee within the meaning of the Railway Labor Act, as amended, and this board is duly constituted by agreement under Public Law 89-456 and has jurisdiction of the parties and subject matter.


This award is based on the facts and circumstances of this particular case and shall not serve as a precedent in any other case.


                        AWARD


After thoroughly reviewing and considering the transcript and the parties' presentations, the Board finds that t~ should bpose of as follows:


                      Gerald E. Wallin


                                            - i.

DD. artholomay~ E. N. J s, Jr. V
 Orga ation Membe Carrier-member

              Issued at Norfolk, VA on February 26, 1998