AWARD N0. 11
CASES NOS. MW-183,

_ MW-184,




BROTHERHOOD OF MAINTENANCE OF WAY EMPLOYES

versus

THE CENTRAL RAILROAD COMPANY OF NEW JERSEY




















Since these three cases involve a similar set of facts, they are considered together in this single Opinion and Award. In each instance the Foreman of the section involved was granted a paid vacation in accordance with the provisions of the Vacation Agreement. The Assistant Foreman of the section assumed the Foreman's duties during the vacation of the Foreman, and was paid the Foreman's rate of pay. The Organization contends that the resultant vacancy in the Assistant Foreman's position should have been filled on a temporary basis during this period. Reliance is placed upon Exhibit.14 appended to the Agreement, wherein is set forth the working force (by title of position and number of employees) for specified sections within particular Divisions of the Carrier's operations.

                                        SPECIAL BOARD 293


                          _ 2 -


It is evident that the Assistant Foreman positions were still in effect during the periods that the Assistant Foremen were temporarily upgraded due to vacations of the Foremen. In line with the numerous interpretations of the Vacation Agreement that have been issued in awards of the NRAB and of Special Boards of Adjustment, it must be held that the Assistant Foreman positions in question were not to be considered as vacancies during the periods that the Assistant Foremen were upgraded. The Vacation Agreement was not intended to be used as a make-work device. Moreover, we are of the opinion that Exhibit 14 of the basic agreement between the subject parties was not intended to go beyond the Vacation Agreement in the sense here urged by the petitioner.

                          AL7ARD


    Claims denied.


                  (s) Lloyd H. Bailer

                  Lloyd H. Bailer, Neutral Member


    (s) A. J. Cunningham (s) C. S. Strang

A. J. Cunningham, Employe Member C. S. Strang, Carrier Member

Jersey City, N. J. November 30, 1959