The Lurie Labor-Management Cooperation Prize went to bargaining partners Northwestern Mutual and OPEIU Local 9. Bargaining partners since the 1940s, each organization has a long history. Northwestern Mutual started in Wisconsin in 1857 and OPEIU’s history in the region dates to 1906 when Local 1 received the first clerical federal charter from the American Federation of Labor. Each side of this long relationship spoke of the need for balance and respect. They stressed the importance of a satisfied and productive workforce. Disagreements are intrinsic, but these partners engage in those disagreements with commitment to the process. Well done!