PruittHealth, the company managing Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in Maryland, has voluntarily recognized IAM District 4 as the official bargaining representative for about 80 Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) at the facility. The recognition was announced on July 9, 2025, just before a planned union election.
According to organizers, IAM District 4 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 decided to skip the formal election process and recognize the union based on a majority of nurses signing authorization cards.
The newly recognized bargaining unit covers all full-time and regular part-time RNs and LPNs at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, but excludes managerial and certain supervisory roles.
IAM District 4 already represents several groups of workers at the veterans home, including non-professional and service staff. The union’s presence began with maintenance employees and expanded over time to include most non-managerial workers at the facility.
“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 of drivers and laundry and housekeeping staff with the company. “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 improvements such as installing a new entry sign in 2022 after renovating communal areas using funds raised by its annual golf tournament. The organization has also provided household items during holidays through collections at its headquarters, and members from its Winpisinger Center regularly host lunches for veterans living at the home.
“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 toward securing an initial contract for nurses now represented by IAM District 4.
“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.”
