In late 2015, Alvin Livingston, was charged by the carrier, Union Pacific, and withheld from service. An investigation was conducted, and Brother Livingston was dismissed on October 28, 2015.
Feeling wrongfully terminated, Livingston, a 15-year member of District 19 Local Lodge 1338, turned to his union for help. General Chairman Heath Jacobs represented Brother Livingston, processing his case up to and including a Public Law Board hearing.
After a long fight, justice was finally served.
Recently, the Neutral Member and Chairman (Arbitrator) of the Board ruled: “Because the Carrier charged Claimant with dishonesty but did not demonstrate substantial evidence to support that allegation, Claimant shall be reinstated to service with the discipline charging dishonesty expunged from his record. Claimant shall also be made whole in all respects.”
Brother Livingston was returned to work and received $140,591.28 in back pay. In addition, General Chairman Jacobs processed an appeal with LECMPA and Brother Livingston received an additional $26,765.30 in an insurance payment (LECMPA is a non-profit insurance company that offers job insurance against lost wages from suspension or discharge because of an inadvertent rule infraction).
“A perfect example of the Union at Work for You,” said General Chairman Jacobs.
