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.
Kevin Jarvis, whose father was a member of IAM Local 1812, has built his career advocating for workers and labor protections in New Jersey. According to IAM Union International President Brian Bryant, “Kevin Jarvis has consistently demonstrated his mission to aid the advancement of working people. He has fought for working families for his entire career in different capacities and comes from a proud IAM Union household.”
Jarvis currently works as a partner at O’Brien, Belland & Bushinsky, focusing on labor law matters such as contract negotiations, grievance and arbitration hearings, and cases involving unfair labor practices. He has represented clients before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the New Jersey Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC).
IAM Union Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan expressed confidence in Jarvis’s qualifications: “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 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 oversaw about 3,700 employees and managed a combined state and federal budget that exceeded $600 million. He also coordinated departmental policy with both the Governor’s Office and the Legislature.
Jarvis began his professional path with the New Jersey General Assembly Democratic Office as a Research Associate for committees focused on Labor, Health, State Government, and Human Services. He later took on roles as Assistant Director of Constituent Relations and Assistant Director of Policy and Planning.
He subsequently worked as Legislative Affairs Coordinator for the New Jersey State AFL-CIO where he supported legislation aimed at improving workplace conditions while completing his law degree at Seton Hall School of Law.
The IAM Union is calling on the New Jersey Senate to confirm Jarvis’s nomination. The organization states it looks forward to collaborating with him to promote fairness, safety, and opportunity for workers throughout New Jersey.
The IAM Union represents around 600,000 active and retired members across various industries in North America including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive sectors.
