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 nomination was made by Governor Mikie Sherrill.
Kevin Jarvis, whose father was a member of IAM Local 1812, has spent his career advocating for labor rights in New Jersey. He is currently a partner at O’Brien, Belland & Bushinsky, where he specializes in labor law, including contract negotiations and representing workers before 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 of the IAM Union, also expressed confidence in Jarvis’s ability to serve: “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 firm in 2010, Jarvis served nearly four years as Chief of Staff at the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. In that role, he oversaw about 3,700 employees and managed 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 professional path with the New Jersey General Assembly Democratic Office as a Research Associate for several committees, later advancing to Assistant Director roles focused on constituent relations and policy planning. He then became Legislative Affairs Coordinator for the New Jersey State AFL-CIO while attending Seton Hall School of Law, graduating magna cum laude.
The IAM Union urges the New Jersey Senate to confirm Jarvis’s nomination and states it looks forward to collaborating with him on issues related to fairness, safety, and opportunity for workers in New Jersey.
The IAM Union represents about 600,000 active and retired members across various industries in North America.
