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 (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) at the facility. This recognition was granted on July 9, 2025, shortly before a scheduled union election.
The agreement followed discussions between IAM Eastern Territory International Representative Andrew Hounshell and PruittHealth’s legal counsel. The company decided to accept union representation based on a majority of nurses signing authorization cards, eliminating the need for an election.
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-related staff. The union’s presence began with maintenance employees and expanded over time due to a productive relationship with management.
“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 has also supported Charlotte Hall Veterans Home through various initiatives in recent years. In 2022, it funded renovations of communal spaces using proceeds from its annual golf tournament. Additionally, IAM Veterans Services collected comfort items during holidays for residents, while Winpisinger Center staff regularly host veterans from the home for lunch.
“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 latest development, IAM District 4 plans to begin negotiations led by McCarthy in order to secure an initial contract addressing priorities raised by 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.”
