Document: 376 U.S. 182 84 S.Ct. 578 11 L.Ed.2d 599 Robert C. BROOKS, Petitioner,v.MISSOURI PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY. No. 53. Argued Jan. 7, 8, 1964. Decided Feb. 17, Rehearing Denied March 30, See 966, 1121. Philip B. Heymann, Washington, D.C., for petitioner. V. Light, Little Rock, Ark., respondent. Mr. Justice GOLDBERG delivered the opinion of Court. 1 This case differs only slightly from Tilton v. Missouri Pac. R. Co., 169, 595. Petitioner here was hired by railroad on July 5, 1951, to serve as an apprentice machinist in Monroe, Louisiana. After completing seven months apprenticeship, he drafted into military service. He honorably discharged November 1953, and immediately returned work Monroe. On April 29, 1954, petitioner laid off because termination apprenticeship program at 6, resumed his with St. Louis, Missouri. 25, 1955, request railroad's approval, transferred shops North Arkansas, where completed January 23, 1958. employed th Rock a journeyman assigned seniority rating that date location. 2 sought 3, 1955. claimed but service, would have The offered him date, Monroe declined this offer ground there were no employment opportunities 3 brought suit District Court Eastern Arkansas. court found,* basis adequate evidence, 'in practice * discretion had play *. (T)ransition rank mechanic automatic.' It also found event plaintiff Monroe.' But service 'would (his training) 1955 time been automatically mechanic. Had so time, point fixed under actual Union connection initial mechanics.' Accordingly, directed grant Rock. 4 Appeals Eighth Circuit reversed, 308 F.2d 531, its earlier decision 306 870. held advancement lacked predictable certainty required decision, '(t)he balance between supply demand particular category workmen designated future cannot be foreseen or predicted any degree certainty.' 533. We granted certiorari, 372 904, 83 730, 9 716. 5 reverse judgment reasons stated Tilton, As we said case: 6 'In every veteran possibility exists type might not available; worked satisfactorily during period absence; elected accept higher position; sickness prevented continuing employment. In light purpose history statute, however, assume Congress intended possibilities sort defeat veteran's rights.' 180—181, 602. 7 think foregoing analysis is dispositive problem here. 'balance demand' petitioner's otherwise automatic promotion should claim. possibility, like discussed always exists. 8 conclusion probably achieved, virtue continued satisfactory employment, status follows, therefore, entitled relevant statutes. reversed cause remanded proceedings conformity opinion. Reversed remanded. reported.

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