The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) has announced its strong support for the nomination of Kevin Jarvis as New Jersey’s Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development by Governor Mikie Sherrill.
Jarvis, whose father was a member of IAM Local 1812, has a long history of advocating for labor rights in New Jersey. He is currently a partner at O’Brien, Belland & Bushinsky, focusing on labor law matters such as contract negotiations, grievance and arbitration hearings, and unfair labor practice cases. He has represented workers before both the National Labor Relations Board and the New Jersey Public Employment Relations Commission.
“Kevin Jarvis has consistently demonstrated his mission to aid the advancement of working people,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “He has fought for working families for his entire career in different capacities and comes from a proud IAM Union household.”
David Sullivan, Eastern Territory General Vice President for IAM Union, also voiced support: “The IAM is confident that Kevin Jarvis will serve New Jersey’s working people with integrity and a clear understanding of the challenges facing today’s workforce. Kevin knows the union difference first-hand and has spent years defending workers as a litigator.”
Prior to joining his current firm in 2010, Jarvis served nearly four years as Chief of Staff at the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. In this role, he oversaw about 3,700 employees and managed more than $600 million in combined state and federal budgets while coordinating policy with both the Governor’s Office and Legislature.
Jarvis began his professional journey with the New Jersey General Assembly Democratic Office as a Research Associate supporting committees on Labor, Health, State Government, and Human Services. He later held positions as Assistant Director of Constituent Relations and Assistant Director of Policy and Planning.
He also worked as Legislative Affairs Coordinator for the New Jersey State AFL-CIO where he advocated for legislation aimed at improving workplace conditions while attending Seton Hall School of Law, from which he graduated magna cum laude.
IAM Union called on the New Jersey Senate to confirm Jarvis’s nomination: “IAM Union urges the New Jersey Senate to confirm Jarvis’s nomination and looks forward to working with him to promote fairness, safety, and opportunity for all workers in the Garden State.”
IAM represents around 600,000 active and retired members across North America in industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail transit, healthcare, automotive sectors among others.
