PruittHealth, the management company for Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in Maryland, has agreed to voluntarily recognize IAM District 4 as the official bargaining representative for about 80 registered nurses and licensed practical nurses at the facility. The recognition was granted on July 9, 2025, shortly before a planned union election.
IAM District 4 Organizer Kevin Gallegher had been preparing for a vote when IAM Eastern Territory International Representative Andrew Hounshell and PruittHealth’s legal counsel reached an agreement to bypass the election. Instead, PruittHealth recognized the union based on majority support demonstrated through signed authorization cards.
The new bargaining unit covers all full-time and regular part-time RNs and LPNs at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, with managerial and certain supervisory roles excluded. IAM District 4 already represents other groups of workers at the facility, including maintenance staff, non-professional, and service-related 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.”
IAM’s involvement at Charlotte Hall has included projects such as installing a new entry sign in 2022 after renovating the communal courtyard space. These improvements were funded by proceeds from the 2021 IAM International President’s Capital Classic Golf Tournament. The union has also organized collections of household items for veterans during holidays and hosted lunches for residents 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.”
With this recognition, IAM District 4 plans to begin negotiations led by McCarthy to secure a first contract reflecting the needs of these 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.”
