A sixty-year retrospective: The impact of the National Labor Office

How NLO changed the game for labor and healthcare

If you look back to 1965, when the National Labor Office (NLO) first began, the workplace was a very different place. The job market was quickly changing, shaped by the civil rights movement and new opportunities for women. People wanted better health coverage, and unions were becoming stronger voices for working families.

The NLO stepped in to help—working across Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies to influence policy and making sure union members get the healthcare they needed. Over time, the NLO has become a trusted partner for labor unions across the country, always finding new ways to help and adapt.

NLO's commitment has evolved beyond health care. By elevating women in union leadership roles and engagement in international initiatives and global councils the NLO has broadened their influence and perspective. Further, their support for Native Americans underscores their dedication to diversity and ensuring everyone is able to benefit from the work they are doing.

Education that makes a difference

The NLO knows that the best way to help is to educate and connect people. Over the years, the NLO created opportunities for labor and healthcare leaders to intersect and learn from one another. They’ve teamed up with top labor colleges and universities to strengthen labor relations and knowledge of the industry, teaching everything from labor laws to negotiation skills. Their latest partnership with Rutgers University offers a formal course that equips participants with critical skills to navigate healthcare and labor market transformations, fostering relationships and promoting effective conflict resolution and collective negotiation strategies.

And learning doesn’t stop at the classroom. The NLO's regular episodes with America's Work Force Union Podcast bring healthcare experts directly to union members, sharing the latest news, tips and innovative solutions to meet the needs of labor. By leveraging top health care partners, NLO helps labor leaders stay informed and ready for any challenge.

Building strong relationships

The NLO believes that true progress comes from bringing people together. Whether it’s union leaders, health care professionals or community groups, the NLO works to solve big problems by building strong partnerships. They attend conferences, sponsor events, and speak at conventions—always meeting members where they are. And the NLO is working on the ground in local communities to bring organizations together in times of critical need. When wildfires broke out in Los Angeles in 2025, NLO quickly partnered with experts to deliver medical supplies, including hygiene kits, personal protective equipment (PPE) and other essentials, to the most hard-hit areas.

In 2001, the NLO formally established the Strategic Alliance program to unite vendor relationships and deliver top-tier health care solutions to organized labor members.Today, the Strategic Alliance program focuses on solutions addressing the unique needs in union populations like women's health, mental health, chronic condition management, cancer care and many more.

Looking forward

Today, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies stand out as the only national health insurer with a specialized office dedicated to labor. Thanks to the unwavering commitment and advocacy of the National Labor Office, they have become a respected leader in the labor community, continually working to ensure that quality healthcare is both affordable and accessible for all.

Recognizing that a healthy workforce is vital to our nation's future, the NLO is dedicated to advancing workforce development, mental health awareness, and cancer care education among other programs. Progress requires united effort and the NLO remains committed to forging strong partnerships and taking active leadership roles, always striving for meaningful collaboration and a seat at the table to focus on better outcomes for healthier members.

The NLO’s longevity is a testament to its ability to evolve, always leaning into areas where they can make change for the better, while remaining steadfast in their mission. Dedication to supporting the needs of organized labor will continue to be at the forefront for NLO’s next chapter.