JOHNSONVILLE — The Capital District Area Labor Federation held a somber ceremony on Workers Memorial Day to honor 41 workers who died on the job in the Capital Region in 2025.
Among those honored was Robert Bornt, a state Department of Transportation maintenance supervisor and CSEA unit president, who died last May following a work zone intrusion.
Bornt served as Hoosick Falls Fire Chief and also as a member of the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad. His loss still echoes in the community.
The ceremony included an emotional reading of 41 names and offered glimpses into the life and death of those memorialized.
Attendees came from the communities across the region and included family, friends and co-workers, many of whom carried cards with the names of those who died.
Mark Emanatian, executive director of the Capital District Area Labor Federation, described both the emotional toll of worker memorial events but also the importance of remembrance and vigilance around workplace safety.
“I hate this event,” said Emanatian, noting that weakened federal regulations are translating to less union labor and more accidental deaths. “Putting profits over people is one of the worst things we can do.
Emanatian called on federal and state legislators to “take care of workers.”
CSEA Capital Region President Shana Davis presented a CSEA resolution to Bornt’s family honoring his life and legacy or service.
— Therese Assalian