PruittHealth, the company managing Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in Maryland, has agreed to voluntarily recognize IAM District 4 as the bargaining representative for about 80 registered nurses and licensed practical nurses at the facility. The agreement was reached on July 9, 2025, shortly before a planned union election.
IAM District 4 Organizer Kevin Gallegher had been preparing for a vote among the nurses when IAM Eastern Territory International Representative Andrew Hounshell and PruittHealth’s legal counsel agreed to skip the election. Instead, the company recognized the union after a majority of nurses signed authorization cards supporting representation.
The new bargaining unit covers all full-time and regular part-time RNs and LPNs at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home but excludes managerial and certain supervisory positions. IAM District 4 already represents other groups of workers at the home, including non-professional and service staff. The union’s presence began with maintenance staff and has expanded over time to include nearly all non-managerial employees.
“I’m very excited to see my home shop become completely unionized,” said IAM District 4 Business Representative Bonna McCarthy, who previously won 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.”
The IAM Union has contributed to improvements at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in recent years. In 2022, it installed a new entry sign after renovating the communal courtyard using funds from its 2021 International President’s Capital Classic Golf Tournament. The union also collected household items for veterans during holidays and hosted veterans from Charlotte Hall for lunches at its Winpisinger Center.
“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 the 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.”
