Opinion ID: 436189
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: issues

Text: 5 Dorrance challenges the agency's removal action on several grounds, principally, (1) the agency failed to meet its burden of proof that he participated in a strike; (2) the agency erred by invoking the crime provision of 5 U.S.C. Sec. 7513(b) to shorten the advance notice period to Dorrance before his dismissal; (3) that his removal does not promote the efficiency of the service; and (4) that the penalty of removal is grossly disproportionate to the nature of the offense. Such issues were raised in Schapansky, supra, and Dorrance's appeal on these grounds is rejected for the reasons set forth in Schapansky. 6 Dorrance further contends that (5) the Presiding Official erred in drawing a negative inference from Dorrance's failure to testify in his own behalf. This argument is unavailing. Silence added to the sufficiency of the agency's case when it follows the agency's establishment of a prima facie case, as discussed in our decision in Adams, supra. 7 Additional arguments by Dorrance for reversal of the Board's decision are: (6) the Presiding Official improperly relied upon hearsay evidence, i.e., the Time and Attendance Reports of the agency used to corroborate Dorrance's absence from work on August 3, 1981; (7) the harmful effect of consolidating Dorrance's case with those of 63 other air traffic controllers before the Presiding Official; (8) the harmful effect of the agency's denial of Dorrance's request of August 10 for an extension of time; (9) the violation of due process represented by alleged dilatory tactics of both the agency and the Presiding Official; and (10) that the agency prevented his return to work.