PruittHealth, the company managing Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in Maryland, has voluntarily recognized IAM District 4 as the bargaining representative for about 80 registered nurses and licensed practical nurses at the facility. This recognition was granted on July 9, 2025, shortly before a planned union election.
The agreement between IAM Eastern Territory International Representative Andrew Hounshell and PruittHealth’s legal counsel allowed the company to bypass the election process. Instead, union representation was established based on a majority of signed authorization cards from eligible nurses.
The newly recognized bargaining unit includes all full-time and regular part-time RNs and LPNs at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home but excludes managerial and certain supervisory staff. IAM District 4 already represents several groups of workers at this facility, such as maintenance, non-professional, and service-related employees.
IAM District 4 Business Representative Bonna McCarthy commented on the development: “I’m very excited to see my home shop become completely unionized,” said McCarthy. “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 with Charlotte Hall extends beyond labor representation. In recent years, IAM helped renovate communal spaces at the veterans home using funds raised through its annual golf tournament. The organization also collects household items for residents during holidays and hosts veterans for lunches throughout the year.
Jay Wadleigh, IAM District 4 Directing Business Representative, said: “The recognition demonstrates a cooperative approach by PruittHealth to respect workers’ choices and avoid prolonged labor disputes. 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 under McCarthy’s leadership in order to secure an initial contract for these new union members.
David Sullivan, IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President, added: “IAM District 4 is a strong force for good in Southern Maryland. 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.”
