The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) has expressed strong support for New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill’s nomination of Kevin Jarvis as the state’s next Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development.
Jarvis, whose father was a member of IAM Local 1812, has a career focused on advocating for workers and strengthening labor protections in New Jersey. He is currently a partner at O’Brien, Belland & Bushinsky, specializing in labor law, contract negotiations, grievance and arbitration hearings, and cases involving unfair labor practices. Jarvis 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, IAM Union Eastern Territory General Vice President, added: “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.”
Before joining his current law 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 helped manage about 3,700 employees and oversaw a combined state and federal budget exceeding $600 million. He also coordinated departmental policy with both the Governor’s Office and the Legislature.
Jarvis began his career with the New Jersey General Assembly Democratic Office as a Research Associate for several committees including Labor, Health, State Government, and Human Services. He later worked as Assistant Director of Constituent Relations and Assistant Director of Policy and Planning. Following this experience, he became Legislative Affairs Coordinator for the New Jersey State AFL-CIO where he supported legislation aimed at improving workplace conditions while completing law school at Seton Hall School of Law.
The IAM Union is calling on the New Jersey Senate to confirm Jarvis’s nomination. The organization represents around 600,000 active and retired members across North America in sectors such as aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroads, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive manufacturing, among others.
“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,” stated the organization.
