Announcement of Merger VAHPA + HACSU

Dear VAHPA members,

Over the past 18 months the VAHPA Branch Committee has been in informal discussions with our counterparts at HACSU (Health and Community Services Union) about a potential merger between our two branches. HACSU, a sister branch under the HSU, represents disability and mental health workers across Victoria, including 1000 mental health AHPs.

We are pleased to announce that discussions towards this merger are now formally underway.

Bringing our two branches together is a powerful step forward for our respective unions – creating a single, stronger voice for Allied Health, Disability, Mental Health, and Alcohol and Other Drug workers across Victoria. For too long, employers and the VHIA have been able to exploit our divisions. United, we will have greater leverage in bargaining, stronger representation at worksites, and the capacity to deliver more effective services to our members. This merger will see our staffing cohort increased from 20 to 60; the impact of this can’t be understated.

At present, Allied Health workers are split across three HSU branches. This merger is an important move towards overcoming those divisions. By uniting our voice in Victoria, we will achieve better outcomes for Allied Health Professionals and prevent employers and government from playing divisive games. VAHPA’s current membership is 6,500 while the combined membership will be some 20,000. Importantly the coming together will see an incredible 7500 AHPs united in one union.

A stronger, united union also means more resources for the fights that matter most – from securing a new Public Allied Health Professionals Agreement, to tackling challenges in the private sector, and campaigning to ensure government recognises the vital role of Allied Health in caring for Victorians.

This decision is not taken lightly. VAHPA and HACSU share the same values: progressive industrial and policy leadership, and the passion, solidarity, and dedication of our members. Together, we will drive harder bargains, run stronger campaigns, and deliver greater protections at work.

As we take this step forward, we take it together – stronger, louder, and more united than ever.