A. Randall “Randy” Vehar, Esq. Retires February 1, 2025
“Dedicated Coal Miner’s Son”
ICWUC General Counsel August Randall “Randy” Vehar has dedicated the majority of his life to the labor movement and to the cause of protecting the rights of working people. After decades of service, Randy retires on February 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that has touched so many lives and strengthened so many unions, including ours.
Randy’s story begins in a small coal mining town in Ohio, where he was raised by hardworking parents who understood the realities of dangerous work and the need for a strong union. His father, a coal miner, tragically lost his leg in a mining accident—a defining moment that fueled Randy’s passion for workers’ rights. That commitment led him to pursue a law degree and eventually to Capitol Hill, where he worked for U.S. Congressman Ford.
But Randy’s heart was always with the labor movement, and he found his calling with the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), where he spent 8.5 years working alongside the legendary Richard Trumka. They fought for miners’ rights and made a lasting impact on the lives of countless workers. However, family called him back to Ohio, and Randy made the difficult decision to leave the Mine Workers and represent workers closer to home.
After several years in private practice, focusing mainly on public sector cases, we were fortunate that the position with the ICWU came open—and even more fortunate that Randy chose to come on board. Since then, his contributions to our union have been immeasurable. For sure his footprints will forever be etched in our past and future efforts to fight for the rights of workers.
Randy leaves these words to share.
After over 30 years with the ICWU, ICWUC, and/or UFCW, the time has come for me to retire. Having turned 75 on January 16th, I think it is finally time to see where another road in this journey of life will take me. My colleagues and friends here, however, know that, if the Union ever needs me, just ask and, my health allowing, I will be there to the extent that I can.
Since 1977, my career has been focused on to trying to improve the lives of working men and women. In part, this comes from my heritage of having a father and grandfather, as well as many high school friends, who were underground coal miners. After working with the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation and the Ohio Department of Health in their coal miners’ treatment program, I decided that I could do more good for workers by becoming a labor attorney, so I went to the University of Denver Law School (where my labor law professor represented UMWA Colorado miners in black lung cases). After becoming an attorney, I was on the legal staff for the U.S. House of Representatives Education and Labor Committee, followed by about 8.5 years with the United Mine Workers Legal Department in D.C. As I had always intended, I then returned to Ohio and went into private practice in Canton, primarily representing the public-sector teachers’ union, as well as some trade and craft unions and individual discrimination plaintiffs.
Wanting to return to doing private-sector labor law, then-ICWU President Frank Martino gave me the opportunity to join the ICWU Legal staff, where I could again do more private-sector labor law where I have remained ever since. Here, the Union has allowed me to do what I love, being a part of the labor movement, representing our members throughout the Country while living back home in Ohio, and, yes, even getting paid to do it! It has been a true honor and pleasure to be able to say that I work for the ICWUC/UFCW. I am very proud of being a part, even a small part, of the Union and the service that I’ve been able to provide. I have made many friends during my time with the Union and will miss our times together, even if only on the phone. I will always be grateful for the privilege and opportunity of being on the Union’s legal staff.
While the next several years will be challenging for the Union and labor movement over-all, I am confident that I am leaving the Legal Department and leadership at the ICWUC here in Akron in good hands.
I wish all of you and the Union all the best and, again, thank you for three great decades.
Randall Vehar
UFCW Assistant General Counsel
Shared Memories
President Lance E. Heasley:
When I came on staff, Randy was always there, willing to share his knowledge, to guide me, and to help me become a better organizer. He didn’t just represent us—he equipped us to fight and win for ourselves. That’s the mark of a true advocate and mentor.
I’m sure many members have seen firsthand, or felt directly, the impact of Randy’s work on their local. I know at my own local, he’s nothing short of a legend.
Back in 2005-2006, we went on strike for six long months. We had a profit-sharing plan that the majority of our members had qualified for based on the hours worked before the strike began. But the company refused to pay us the $2,700 each worker was owed. We took it to arbitration and won—but the company wasn’t done. They appealed it all the way up to the U.S. District Court of Appeals. With Randy representing us, we not only won again, but secured interest on that $2,700 as well. That victory didn’t just put money back in our members’ pockets; it showed the company, and every worker, that we would not be bullied. It was a turning point for us, and it was Randy’s skill and determination that made it happen.
You’ve spent a lifetime standing up for working people, and your legacy will live on in every contract, every arbitration, and every fight you helped us win.
Robert Lowrey:
I met Randy in 1994 when he applied for the position of our new Assistant General Counsel. From day one, he put forth the finest efforts to live up to the mission of the Chemical Workers Union Council always “Fighting for employee rights and better wages through collective bargaining” which he implemented when representing and supporting the members, the Headquarters staff and local unions.
From my personal experience I can attest Randy was never at a loss for words nor a willingness to speak loudly and forcefully about his position on an issue or a point of interest. But I also say with certainty of conviction that Randy always had your back. His retirement has been earned through the commitment to issues of labor and his willingness to stand up to any adversary who would subvert or undermine the principle of collective bargaining. His legacy will be the jobs of those members he saved, the member benefits that he protected, and his staunch support of the advances the membership has made through collective bargaining. Enjoy your retirement, Randy it’s your time.
Tracy Poling:
I worked for Randy for over 23 years in the Legal Department and have seen first-hand the time and effort that he has put into representing our union members. The knowledge he has brought to the job and the dedication to the union and our members is more than impressive. I know that somehow Randy will continue his fight for workers’ rights after his retirement. Take time for yourself and enjoy that for which you have worked so hard.
Danielle Murphy:
Working with Randy over the past 5 years has been such an incredible pleasure. I’ve learned so much under his leadership as a labor practitioner and advocate. His ability to recall case law in an instant and draft, perhaps not the shortest, but indeed the most intellectual legal writings is proof of his distinguished career in the labor movement. I wish he would work for another 30+ years as I think we make the best partners-in-crime against those trying all too hard to strip away workers’ rights. You’ll be missed, Randy!
Roberta Waters:
When I was asked to write something for Randy, I found the task to be overwhelming. After all, how can anyone adequately describe him? Randy has such an expansive amount of knowledge that would make anyone wonder why he did not pursue teaching. The various stories not only show his wealth of knowledge, but also the depth of his character. Without his professional (and life) experiences, he could not have as successfully represented the workers in this country to the highest level that is indicative of Randy. Randy strives for perfection and excellence, which is perhaps, why his briefs are not “brief.” I am not poking fun as I have found in my studies just how hard it is to be concise, remain on-point and on topic, and adequately relay the issue(s) and arguments. On top of his accomplishments and accolades, Randy is a true friend. He is always ready and willing to assist. While I will miss chatting with Randy and working alongside him, I know he is only a phone call away. I admire and respect him. Enjoy your retirement, Randy! You have earned it.
Thank you, Randy. We all wish you a long and happy retirement.
Written by: Linda Wattley