PruittHealth, the company managing Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in Maryland, has voluntarily recognized IAM District 4 as the bargaining representative for about 80 registered nurses and licensed practical nurses at the facility. This recognition was granted on July 9, 2025, shortly before a scheduled union election.
IAM District 4 Organizer Kevin Gallegher had been preparing for a vote among the nursing staff when an agreement was reached between IAM Eastern Territory International Representative Andrew Hounshell and PruittHealth’s legal counsel. The company agreed to bypass the election process and recognize the union based on a majority of signed authorization cards from employees.
The new bargaining unit covers all full-time and regular part-time RNs and LPNs at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, excluding managerial and certain supervisory positions. IAM District 4 already represents other groups of workers at the facility, including non-professional and service-related staff. Initial representation began with maintenance workers, expanding over time due to what both sides describe as a productive relationship.
“I’m very excited to see my home shop become completely unionized,” said IAM District 4 Business Representative Bonna McCarthy, who previously secured voluntary recognition for drivers as well as laundry and housekeeping staff. “I’ve always believed we’re stronger together than divided like we have been for the past eight years. I look forward to preparing for negotiations and getting a fair contract so that the nurses’ voices can be heard.”
IAM Union activities at Charlotte Hall have included facility improvements such as installing a new entry sign in 2022 after renovating communal spaces with funds raised by an internal golf tournament in 2021. The union has also organized donations of household items during holidays and hosted lunches for veterans through its Winpisinger Center staff.
“The recognition demonstrates a cooperative approach by PruittHealth to respect workers’ choices and avoid prolonged labor disputes,” said IAM District 4 Directing Business Representative Jay Wadleigh. “We’re proud to represent the staff at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. We’re proud of the work they do, and we’re proud of the mutually beneficial relationship we have with management that ultimately leads to happy staff and well-cared-for veterans.”
Negotiations are expected to begin soon with McCarthy leading efforts to secure an initial contract reflecting priorities of newly represented nurses.
“IAM District 4 is a strong force for good in Southern Maryland,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “Their solidarity and union pride is strong, and we are pleased to welcome the rest of Charlotte Hall Veterans Home staff into our union. These are caregivers of our veterans, and we intend to make all of their lives better through the IAM.”
