A group of Master of Industrial Relations (MIR) students have brought home top honours from the 2026 Inter University Negotiations Cup, earning first place at the prestigious competition, hosted by The New York State School of Industrial and Labour Relations (ILR School) at Cornell University. In addition to winning the Negotiation Cup as the program with the highest score, three MIR students (Komal Gill, Paul Yousif, and Zakiy Zuberi) won individual awards for receiving the top score in their assigned roles.
The annual Inter University Negotiations Cup brings together top industrial relations and labour studies programs from across North America to participate in a competitive, simulated negotiation. Participants employ skills central to the MIR curriculum, such as preparation, strategy, and communication skills, in seeking to settle principled and sustainable agreements.
Competing against a strong field from leading institutions, the MIR students demonstrated exceptional proficiency in interest based bargaining, collaboration, and strategic problem solving. Their performance reflected a strong command of negotiation theory combined with the ability to apply it effectively in a dynamic, high pressure setting.
The multi round competition featured a complex labour management scenario in the airline industry, requiring teams to adapt quickly, manage competing interests, and negotiate under strict time constraints. The scenario mirrored real world challenges commonly faced in professional labour relations practice.
This first place finish highlights the MIR program’s emphasis on experiential learning. Through applied negotiation training, case based instruction, and intensive simulations, students develop practical skills that prepare them for careers in labour relations, human resources, and conflict management.
Congratulations to the MIR student team on this outstanding achievement!
Photo L to R (Zakiy Zuberi, Vivan Wei, Mary Hannigan, Felicia Araujo, Prof. Bradley Weinberg, Tori Nicholls, Komal Gill, Paul Yousif)