Roots of solidarity
By Kate Robbins
When I decided to pursue my doctorate in physical therapy and later in my role as a hospital-based physical therapist, I never considered the possibility that I would have the opportunity to join a union. Nevertheless, when my colleagues Mary and Monica informed me about the formation of the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals union, I eagerly seized the opportunity to join and actively participate in the development of our emerging organization. UMMAP champions the cause of healthcare professionals at Michigan Medicine, encompassing individuals spanning diverse disciplines, including behavioral health, rehabilitation, laboratory, hospital services and technologists. With a robust membership exceeding 3,700 and continuing to expand rapidly, our collective strength is on a steady upward trajectory!
The significance of unions has been deeply embedded in my life since childhood. My grandfather, Douglas Fraser, who spent hours teaching me his idea of ballet, was president of the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). Discussions about unionization, social justice, and workers’ rights were regular features at our family gatherings and dinners.
The significance of unions has been deeply embedded in my life since childhood.
Until the age of 16, I was fortunate to spend two weeks each summer at the UAW Black Lake Education Center, interacting with UAW members and their families from diverse backgrounds and engaging in camp activities. This experience provided me with valuable insights into the purpose and importance of unions. I delved into the history of the UAW, learning about the struggles of ordinary people uniting to assert their right to a voice in the workplace. These experiences profoundly impacted who I am now.
In addition to my annual visits to the education center, I had the unique privilege of listening to my grandfather’s and other UAW leaders’ firsthand accounts about the union and its transformative impact on people’s lives. Listening to those stories, I learned that collective action could yield remarkable results, even in the face of political challenges and formidable opposition from large corporations.
The themes of negotiation and teamwork emerged as indispensable elements for success.
The themes of negotiation and teamwork emerged as indispensable elements for success. Growing up in a family deeply immersed in union culture, I internalized the values of advocating for people whose voices go unheard and needs unmet.
In my adult years, another significant chapter played a vital role in developing my personality and outlook. While pursuing my undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan, I was introduced to the world of rowing, a sport that demands unwavering dedication, discipline, hard work, perseverance, teamwork and self-belief.
After a successful college career, I chose to continue rowing and ultimately earned a spot on the 2004 United States Olympic team, competing as part of the women’s pair. The process of training and competing at the highest levels of my sport ingrained the essence of the lessons above as a foundational element of my identity.
Thanks to the formative experiences of my upbringing and the lessons I learned from rowing, when the opportunity arose to help create a better work environment for myself and my colleagues, I was able to apply the many skills I learned from my experiences to successfully contribute to creating and sustaining UMMAP.
I am genuinely grateful that my life’s journey has equipped me to contribute in my role and be part of the firsthand growth of our union. I am immensely proud to be a member of UMMAP and to have the honor of advancing the union movement.
Kate Robbins is a physical therapist and member of the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals.
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