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. The endorsement follows Governor Mikie Sherrill’s decision to nominate Jarvis for the role.
Kevin Jarvis, whose father was a member of IAM Local 1812, has spent his career advocating for workers’ rights in New Jersey. “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.”
Currently, Jarvis is a partner at O’Brien, Belland & Bushinsky where he specializes in labor law. His work includes contract negotiations, grievance and arbitration hearings, and representing workers before both the National Labor Relations Board and the New Jersey Public Employment Relations Commission.
“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,” stated David Sullivan, IAM Union Eastern Territory General Vice President. “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 that capacity, he oversaw about 3,700 employees and managed a budget exceeding $600 million. He also coordinated departmental policy with both the Governor’s Office and state legislature.
Jarvis began his professional journey with the New Jersey General Assembly Democratic Office. He worked on committees related to labor, health, state government, and human services before advancing to roles in constituent relations and policy planning.
He later became Legislative Affairs Coordinator for the New Jersey State AFL-CIO where he championed legislation focused on improving working conditions while attending Seton Hall School of Law.
The IAM Union has called on the New Jersey Senate to confirm Jarvis’s nomination. The union represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members across various industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroads, transit systems, healthcare, automotive manufacturing, among others throughout North America.
