SPECIAL BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT NO. 976


          BROTHERHOOD OF MAINTENANCE OF WAY EMPLOYES


                          VS.


                CONSOLIDATED RAIL CORPORATION


STATEMENT OF CLAIM:

        Appeal of 5 days suspension assessed P. Vrabee in connection with being charged with being absent without permission and excessive absenteeism.


    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.


AWARD: Claim disposed of as follows:

    Considering the proximity of the implementation of

    the new policy we deem a reprimand would be more

    appropriate discipline under ese circumstances.


                C. A. Peacock, Neutral Member


                      i


T. ~mzalslc' ;'Carrier Member fed d, organization Member
 v
 Issued this day of ~~n. 1 C90.