Page 2 - Work Force July-August 2025

Photo of the Month
DOT Unit
President
Robert Bornt
PITTSTOWN — CSEA is mourning the loss of Capital Region member Robert Bornt, 54, who died May 30 following injuries sustained in a worksite incident a day earlier.
Bornt, a highway maintenance supervisor and president of CSEA’s Rensselaer County Unit, Department of Transportation (DOT) Residency was in a work zone on State Route
7 in Pittstown when he was struck by a vehicle. Bornt sustained severe injuries and was airlifted to Albany Medical Center, where he died the next day.
New York State Police and PESH are investigating the incident.
Bornt was committed to his work, family and serving his community from union officer to Fire Chief in his hometown, Hoosick Falls. He was a volunteer member of the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad and a softball coach who enjoyed hunting and snowmobiling.
News of Bornt’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences and renewed calls for increased work zone safety and public awareness.
“On behalf of CSEA, my heart
goes out to Robert’s family, loved ones and co-workers,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. “Our union members work on the roads
to serve the public, not to put their lives on the line because of careless or reckless drivers. Robert Bornt’s death is a painful reminder that work zones are not just construction sites, they are workplaces. When drivers are less aware, they endanger real people with families.”
CSEA Capital Region President Shana Davis met with unit members in early June to offer support.
“An overwhelming sense of sorrow has enveloped the community of DOT Local 676, Unit 068331. The tragic loss of Unit President Robert Bornt has brought unimaginable
Capital Region officers welcome members to the Malta Drive-In Movie Night Member Appreciation event. From left, Capital Region Treasurer Katie Soule, 2nd Vice President Marla Norton, Region President Shana Davis, Executive Vice President Cindy Stiles and 1st Vice President Susan Watson-Amos. See pages 10-12 for more Member Appreciation Month events. (Photo by Therese Assalian.)
CSEA continues fight for work zone safety
Bornt
grief, not only to our union, but
their entire community,” said Davis. “Robert’s passing has left a void
that words cannot begin to fill. Every worker goes to work with the expectation of returning home safely to their family. There are no words that can truly express the depth of collective heartbreak I experienced when visiting the members of Unit 068331. Robert’s loss is deeply felt by all who know him, worked beside him both as a Supervisor and Unit President.”
Davis noted that especially in light of workplace deaths, our union family stands strpng together.
“In times like these, we are reminded that our union is far more than an organization. We are a family bound by solidarity, compassion, and shared purpos,” said Davis. “We are deeply saddened when tragedies such as this occur. Our strength as a union lies in the ties that bind us, not only as activists but as union family. When one suffers, we all suffer. Together, we mourn, together we honor Robert’s memory and stand in support of all impacted.”
Bornt is survived by his wife, children, grandson, mother, sister and extended family. Services, including the Firemen’s Last Call Service, were held on June 7.
— Therese Assalian
HORNELL — Our union is continuing to push for improved safety in and around highway work zones after three CSEA members employed
by the state Department of Transportation were recently injured after being struck by a vehicle while working in a marked work zone on Route 36 in Hornell.
While one member was injured seriously, all three have since been released from the hospital.
“On behalf of every CSEA member, my heart is with the three New
York State DOT employees hurt
in the Route 36 work zone crash
in Hornell,” said Western Region President Steve Healy. “No one should have to fear for their life while simply doing their jobs. We again urge every driver to slow down and move over and pay attention.”
The incident happened shortly after CSEA DOT Unit President Robert Bornt was killed in a similar work zone crash. (See this page.)
“These tragedies are happening far too often, and they must
stop!” said CSEA President Mary
E. Sullivan. “We are demanding immediate action, including stronger enforcement and better protections for highway workers before another life is lost.”
CSEA successfully lobbied for expansion of the state’s work
zone speed camera program, but our union is continuing to fight to increase penalties for speeding in a work zone and for failing to move over when legally required.
“This legislation is a top priority for me and all CSEA members,” said Sullivan. “We’re fighting to impose tougher penalties on those who ignore work zones and show disregard for the people working in them. We’ve had enough. We need stronger laws and more accountability now.”
Our union’s efforts helped
ensure this legislation was passed in the NYS Senate. Unfortunately, the NYS Assembly failed to pass this legislation before concluding session. CSEA will continue to lobby the legislature as safety of our members is a top priority.
2 The Work Force
July-August 2025