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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E52]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF RANDY GHAN
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HON. JIM COSTA
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of my
longtime friend Mr. Randy Ghan, who passed away on December 7, 2018 at
the age of 67. Randy will be remembered as a dedicated and committed
labor leader and advocate for worker rights in the Central Valley.
Randy worked tirelessly to ratify the Central Labor Council, creating
one of the strongest labor councils in California. He dedicated his
life to the labor movement and is known as a labor icon.
Randy was born on November 5, 1951 in Fresno, California to Irene
Kuns and Melvin Ghan. He attended Humboldt State University. Randy's
labor career began when he joined the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco
Workers Union and Local 85 (Bakers 85) at the Perfection Macaroni
factory in Fresno. Randy was elected as the first shop steward in the
history of the factory when he was just 20 years old. His efficiency
and passion to succeed earned him a position on the union bargaining
team. While on the bargaining team, Randy showed strong work ethic and
was offered a job with the union and joined the executive board of the
Central Labor Council (CLC).
After being on the executive board of the CLC for 15 years, Randy ran
for Secretary-Treasurer (CEO) and won with the support from his allies
in UFCW 1288 and SEIU 752. Randy took on the position when the CLC was
struggling financially and he successfully revamped the organization.
Randy got CLC out of debt by affiliating dozens of new unions and
brokering deals to save money and build political capacity. Today, the
CLC stands as one of the best funded labor councils in California.
One of Randy's proudest accomplishments was the creation of the CLC
Partnership, which provides employment readiness services to workers
across Fresno. The joint efforts of CLC, Propath and Regenerate
California Innovation has assisted numerous people in finding gainful
employment. In an act of kindness and true leadership, Randy gave his
salary for the hours worked in the partnership to hire additional staff
at the CLC.
In appreciation of his years of hard work, Randy was recognized as
Labor Leader of the Year by the CLC in 1992 and 2017. He was the only
labor leader to ever receive this honor twice.
Randy was preceded in death by his loving partner Sharon Hodson. He
leaves behind his sister Judy, daughters Maria and Tracey, numerous
grandchildren, great grandchildren and many friends.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life
and achievements of my friend Randy Ghan. Randy leaves a legacy of
advocacy and selflessness to improve the lives of so many in the
Valley. He will be missed dearly by those who had the pleasure of
knowing him.
____________________