To absent themselves from duty or leave their assignment or engage a substitute to perform their duties without what?

• A. Written consent from the union president
• B. Permission of a designated officer
• C. Prior notice to dispatcher
• D. A personal recommendation from the supervisor

Answer: (B)

In NORAC rules, you cannot absent yourself from duty, leave your assignment, or arrange a substitute without formal approval from the person designated to grant that permission. The designated officer is the one responsible for maintaining proper staffing and ensuring safe, continuous operation, so they authorize any absence or substitution. Leaving without that approval means you’re absent without proper authority, which can create safety risks and disrupt train movements, and it can lead to disciplinary action.

The other options don’t provide the required authorization: consent from the union president isn’t the official channel for approving absences, a personal recommendation from the supervisor isn’t formal authorization, and while giving prior notice to the dispatcher helps with planning, it does not substitute for the official permission to be absent or to substitute for duties.