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In a significant development for healthcare workers at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in Maryland, PruittHealth, the management company that runs the Home, has voluntarily recognized IAM District 4 as the official bargaining representative for approximately 80 Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) employed at the facility.
The decision came on July 9, 2025, just days before a union election was scheduled to take place.
IAM District 4 Organizer Kevin Gallegher had been in the process of bringing the group to a vote before IAM Eastern Territory International Representative Andrew Hounshell and the company’s legal counsel cordially agreed that PruittHealth would forgo a union election process. The company would instead voluntarily recognize IAM Union representation of the nurses based on a majority showing of support for the union through signed authorization cards.
The bargaining unit includes all full-time and regular part-time RNs and LPNs at the veterans home, excluding managerial and certain supervisory roles.
IAM District 4 already represents multiple groups of workers at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, including non-professional and service-related staff. Initial IAM representation at the facility started with maintenance staff, but the successful relationship between IAM Union and Charlotte Hall Veterans Home allowed for the IAM’s representation to grow to cover the entire facility’s 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 of drivers and the 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.”
Because of its strong presence at Charlotte Hall and its commitment to uplifting and supporting veterans, the IAM Union has put significant effort into bettering the veterans home to benefit all: In 2022, the IAM installed a new entry sign at the home after completely renovating and upgrading the communal courtyard space, all made possible with funds raised by the 2021 IAM International President’s Capital Classic Golf Tournament.
Additionally, IAM Veterans Services conducted collections of household and comfort items at IAM headquarters for Charlotte Hall veterans during the holiday season, and the IAM’s Winpisinger Center staff, which includes Local 4 members, host veterans from the home for lunch multiple times a year.
“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.”
IAM District 4 now looks forward to entering negotiations with McCarthy at the helm to secure a first contract that reflects the needs and priorities of these dedicated nurses and new union members.
“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.”
