Contra Costa County Chapter President John Allen Retires

After almost three decades of public service to Contra Costa County, John Allen, the first President of Local 21's Contra Costa County Chapter, has retired.

Allen was initially active in his union as a mental health program front-line staffer. After becoming a manager, Allen was no longer represented by a union. In 2009, when the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors voted to unilaterally impose higher healthcare costs to unrepresented management and professional staff, Allen joined with other unrepresented pro-union County workers and called on Local 21 to help them unionize the unrepresented workers in the County. After successfully organizing two new units represented by Local 21, Allen was elected as the Contra Costa County Chapter’s first President.

Allen’s colleagues and fellow unionists consider him a natural leader who leads by example. Earlier this year, he challenged Contra Costa members to begin contributing to Local 21's political campaign fund, the TJ Anthony Fund, to help hold elected officials accountable. Allen donated $1,000 of his own funds, on top of his own monthly contribution, to match all of the contributions members donated.

Last month, Allen retired, ending a decades-long career dedicated to serving and working with Contra Costa County's mental health providers and clients. We thank you him for his service, his values, and his dedication to building a workers’ movement.