Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of our union sister, Cabot Bus Barn Captain April Raines.

In her eight years of service at the MBTA, and throughout her life, April made a difference. She especially made a positive impact, both in her garage and in her community, with her signature sense of humor and her convivial spirit.

In 2019, she decided to put her enthusiasm for the job to good use. She ran for barn captain that fall and won. Little did she know what 2020 and 2021 had in store.

It is fair to say that the past two years have been some of the most trying times in our local’s history. It is because of strong, dedicated, and compassionate leaders like April that we have made it through this pandemic together.

The communities she served in Roxbury, Brookline, Mission Hill, Dorchester, South Boston, the South End, Newton, Waltham, Allston, Brighton, the Back Bay, Fenway, Jamaica Plain and Downtown were the lucky recipients of her top-grade professionalism.

Cabot Garage is a better and more inclusive place to work because of her devotion to her colleagues.

Local 589 is stronger today because of her insightful, bold, and big hearted leadership.

Our union family grieves with her family today.

Respectfully,

Executive Board
Boston Carmen’s Union, Local 589