Opinion ID: 2615
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Proceedings on the Property and before the Board

Text: The formal investigation, which consisted of testimony by several witnesses and a statement on Ollman's behalf, took place on February 15, 2000. According to the transcript of the hearing, Ollman attended, and two BLE local chairmen, Robert H. Linsey and M.R. Price, acted as his representatives. Ollman was asked at the hearing whether he desire[d] representation to assist [him], and he replied, From Bob Linsey and Mike Price. On February 25, 2000, NSRC dismissed Ollman. NSRC denied Ollman's subsequent appeal. Then BLE, as provided for by the RLA, see 45 U.S.C. § 153 First (i), petitioned the local special board of adjustment to review Ollman's dismissal. The record does not establish whether BLE advised Ollman that it had taken this action on his behalf. BLE recovered a letter from its archives, dated June 14, 2000 and addressed from BLE Vice General Chairman Larry W. Sykes to Ollman, stating the date, time, and location of the hearing before the Board (the Sykes letter). Ollman denies ever receiving such a letter and raises questions as to its genuineness and admissibility. On July 26, 2000, the Board convened to review Ollman's appeal. Ollman denies attending the hearing, and there is no record of his presence. BLE representatives prepared a submission on his behalf and argued his case. On October 17, 2000, the Board determined that, because NSRC had carried its burden of proof, Ollman was not entitled to relief. On December 4, 2000, BLE sent Ollman a certified letter advising him of the Board's decision. The letter further stated that Ollman could seek judicial review of the proceedings but that none of the limited circumstances under which review was possible appeared to be present in his case. Progression of any such appeal... would be your responsibility, the letter continued, and such an appeal would have to be filed in United States District Court within two years of the date this award was rendered (October 17, 2000).... Ollman does not deny that he received this correspondence.