Our Union, Our Choice

Do not let VAHPA incumbent leadership assume your consent. If we don't fight, we lose. Legal advice sought by VAHPA Pulse outlined.

Dec 03, 2025

Who is VAHPA Pulse?

We’re a cross-profession group of VAHPA activists committed to stopping the merger and safeguarding VAHPA’s independence and AHP priorities.

As a group, we want a union where members have a collective voice, shared power, and the democratic means to shape fair, just, and dignified workplaces, conditions and wages.

We want a Union built by and for the members it represents.

We are aggrieved by:

VAHPA’s lack of adherence to the basic pillars of democracy and exclusion of member voice in major, significant decisions regarding our union
VAHPA’s incumbent leadership earning inflated salaries funded by dues paid by hardworking VAHPA members while they do nothing to advance our interests
VAHPA’s incumbent leadership being accused of sexual harassment by a former staff member, plus ongoing leaks about poor workplace culture leading to high staff turnover and thus poor support for members in their workplaces

Why we oppose the forced, undemocratic takeover by HACSU

VAHPA members would be represented by a nursing-led union (HACSU Secretary Paul Healey and Assistant Secretary Rebecca Sprekos are both nurses)
VAHPA members would make up only one third of HACSU membership, losing meaningful power and voice for AHP interests
AHPs would lose their identity, without control over how to build and strengthen it.
HACSU’s superior numbers mean AHP interests could be traded away for theirs, resulting in worse wages and conditions for VAHPA members
HACSU recently achieved a poor wage outcome for its AHPs; we cannot be tied to that same, poor outcome.
We do not believe forced affiliation with the Labor Party is in the best interest of VAHPA members.
Members would receive diluted support with fewer staffing resources per member.
The plan to merge was hatched in secret with no transparency, consultation or accountability. We do not know their true motives… and they refuse to tell us. This should make us all deeply suspicious.

What’s really happening

Amid recent controversies reported in Branch 1 HSU HWU (see ABC News, May 2025), VAHPA’s leadership is under scrutiny. Members and whistleblowers have raised concerns about workplace culture, alleged harassment and the possibility of member funds being used for undisclosed legal matters. Many members fear that the push to dissolve VAHPA and merge with HACSU is being supported by the HSU in a way that could avoid scrutiny and limit accountability, rather than to serve the interests of Allied Health Professionals.

Chronology of member-verified events

~18 months prior to now
VAHPA Secretary Craig McGregor and HACSU Secretary Paul Healey decide a “merger” (acquisition) should take place without membership consultation and keep this plan to themselves.
2 October 2025
Leaked information reveals VAHPA Board of Committee Management is preparing to vote imminently on merging with HACSU… without informing members.
HACSU publishes its announcement: “HACSU + VAHPA: Stronger Together.”
6 October 2025
First petition (200+ VAHPA members) submitted under Rule 55 calling for a Special General Meeting (SGM).
VAHPA leadership declares petition “invalid” without clear explanation.
17 October 2025
VAHPA emails members announcing a “historic decision” to dissolve VAHPA into HACSU.
Town halls promised but no dates provided.
21 October 2025
VAHPA announces online town hall sessions; first scheduled for 23 October.
23 October 2025 – First Town Hall - read a summary here (it was online)
VAHPA Secretary Craig McGregor absent, reportedly on “well-deserved holiday.”
HACSU Secretary Paul Healey dominates, speaking over members questioning the merger.
Members feel blindsided by HACSU’s dominance and VAHPA leadership’s absence.
24 October 2025
Second petition (200+ VAHPA members) submitted under Rule 55; again declared “invalid.”
9 November 2025
Third petition (200+ VAHPA members) submitted under Rule 55 for an SGM to consider resolutions to stop the merger.
11 November 2025
Third petition succeeds.
VAHPA announces SGM: 11 December 2025, 11am, Trades Hall Carlton.
Agenda must follow petition, including motions to stop the merger. SGM must have 200 member quorum.
Leadership introduces barriers at limit member attendance: no online attendance, no proxy voting, only some delegates notified.
14 November 2025 – Second Town Hall - read summary here
VAHPA Secretary Craig McGregor attends his first meeting with members in months.
VAHPA agrees in writing that any vote at the SGM will be binding under Rule 55.
Members raise concerns: weekday 11am meeting, lack of online access, exclusion of certain members: rural/regional, members with health concerns, disabilities or caring responsibilities, no proxy voting options.
VAHPA commits to “look into online options.”
Hours later, 14 November
Leadership reverses position: “must stick to the rules” no online attendance due to this being “impossible" in terms of technology.
Introduces brand-new rule: mandatory member registration to attend SGM (not in HSU rules).
28 November 2025
VAHPA leadership announces HSU National Committee voted on rule changes to push merger through.
Leadership now claims SGM vote will not be binding.

This is incorrect, misleading, and must be challenged.

The VAHPA incumbent leadership claims that the upcoming SGM vote will not be binding because of recent National Committee “rule changes.” This is incorrect.

⚖️ Legal advice sought by VAHPA Pulse

We’ve sought advice from an experienced trade union lawyer and academic regarding the power of the SGM to stop the merger.

Rule 38(j)(ii) provides that the National Council shall have the power to amalgamate any state branch with another… but only with the consent of the branches concerned.

Rule 35(a) provides that the control of the Branch resides exclusively in the members of the Branch…

The effect of rule 55(f) is that an SGM with at least 200 members in attendance has the power to direct the Branch committee.

The National Council doesn’t care whether you consent to the merger.

Make no mistake… VAHPA incumbent leadership is aware we are close to meeting the 200 member SGM quorum and members are concerned they may attempt to block participation by any means. VAHPA’s emails are designed to be just that, a deterrent.

Don’t fall for it.

The SGM is your chance to control the future of VAHPA.

Our Union, Our Choice.

If we don’t fight, we lose

Attend the SGM:

📅 Thursday 11 December 2025

🕚 11:00am

📍 Trades Hall, Carlton

If you want to help stop the merger, get involved, or stay updated, reach out or follow VAHPA Pulse channels.

Find info, resources and HACSU wage comparisons on our website

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