Community Transit sister, Coach Operator Linda Pitts, has passed away.

Dear Members,

We are heartbroken to share the sad news that our Community Transit sister, Coach Operator Linda Pitts, has passed away.

As many of you know, Linda hadn’t reported for work since Friday. Community Transit sent our Transit Police out twice for welfare checks and tried several times to reach both Linda and her emergency contact, as did ATU leadership and fellow members who were worried about her. Today, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office entered Linda’s home and confirmed that she has passed. What we know so far suggests it was due to natural causes, though that will be confirmed later.

This is a devastating loss for all who knew Linda. She was a kind, caring person with a big heart and genuine friendships within our ATU family. She was a beloved senior operator who gave her all to her work and to the people around her. Her absence will be deeply felt by so many.

Community Transit will have EAP counselors available soon, and the company will share those details as they become available. 

As we move through this difficult time, let’s continue to lean on each other. Our strength as a union isn’t just in contracts and negotiations, but in the compassion we show one another when life hits hard. Please take care of yourselves and each other.

In Solidarity, 

Dani Julien 

President, ATU 1576