Remembering Alan "Axl" Rose

With great sadness we learned of the passing of Brother Alan “Axl” Rose of Oakland last month as a result of motorcycle accident. A member of USW Local 449, Rose was a thoughtful and committed union member and leader. He was greatly admired and respected by those who knew him.

“…[Rose] was a very special person, the kind that come into our lives and leaves a little something behind, he could get along with just about anyone,” reads a statement by his union. “It was just his personality! He was a free spirit, smart and so full of life, always the life of the party no matter where he was. A.R. you will be missed by all who had the opportunity to meet you.”

Over his career Rose held a number of positions with Local 449, including a shop steward for four years and trustee for six years. Rose and USW 900 President John Perry were instrumental in creating a Next Generation executive board position within the USW Maine Labor Council. He also testified in front of lawmakers in Augusta in support of labor related issues.

USW staff representative Mike Higgins said Rose was a good friend and staunch union brother.

“Alan represented the best of what a young man could offer to a local union and the labor movement,” said Higgins. “He was bright, compassionate, eager to learn, and respectful to all. He was fun to be around, and everyone loved him. He could also be tough, and tenacious when representing his fellow members. He was a ‘can do’ person, always willing to roll up his sleeves to get something done. He was a born leader.”

When Huhtamaki and Local 449 were two years into heated contract negotiations over health care, Rose organized the first informational picket on the sidewalk in front of the mill and led the younger members to fight for a more fair health care proposal.

“Axl's efforts that day shined a beacon of hope to the rest of the local which ultimately led to a sustained picket line, public pressure to the company, leverage at the bargaining table, and a positive ending to negotiations,” said Higgins.

Higgins said Rose participated in several USW Next Generation events and was on the USW International radar as a future leader at the time of his tragic passing. 

USW 449 member Roy Cardenas remembered Rose as a kind and genuine person who was strongly dedicated to strengthening the local.

“When speaking to him you could see the passion he had for the labor movement. As a new member of our local, Alan was the first one to approach me and encourage me to become more active within the local,” said Cardenas. “He invited me to a few informational pickets and educated me about why these activities were important. That type of thing wasn’t exclusive to just me, there are many brothers and sisters Alan pushed to become more active and engaged within our local. He was truly a ‘one of a kind; individual and will be missed by all his brothers and sisters within the local 449.”