I4AW Presents 2025 Defender of Worker Freedom Award to Rep. Bob Onder for Championing Pro-Worker Labor Reforms in Congress

I4AW Presents 2025 Defender of Worker Freedom Award to Rep. Bob Onder for Championing Pro-Worker Labor Reforms in Congress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  December 15, 2025
CONTACT: Mary Ellen Beatty, MaryEllen@i4aw.org

HAMILTON, VA. — Institute for the American Worker is proud to honor Rep. Robert F. Onder, M.D., J.D. (R-MO 3) with our annual Defender of Worker Freedom award. Rep. Onder demonstrated his commitment to freedom in the workplace by protecting union democracy, championing small business and independent workers, and many other actions that empower American workers to succeed.

“Since his time as a state lawmaker in Missouri to his leadership in Congress, Rep. Onder has always been a staunch advocate for worker freedom,” said I4AW President F. Vincent Vernuccio. “It has been great working with him over the years to empower workers and put taxpayers ahead of special interest.”

Presented each year, this award is given to individuals who champion workers and promote freedom and flexibility in labor policy. We applaud Representative Onder for his contributions to worker freedom in Congress and in the Missouri General Assembly, where he was a leader and tireless advocate for reform.

Now as a freshman in Congress, Rep. Onder has taken a leadership role as Vice Chair of the House Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions. This year he introduced the Worker Enfranchisement Act, which would ensure a quorum of workers have a say before a union is allowed to represent them.

He also co-sponsored multiple pieces of legislation that have been pivotal in the fight to protect independent contractors. Additionally, Rep. Onder is leading a successful effort to prevent Congress from stopping the Trump Administration’s pro-worker reforms at agencies dealing with national security.

I4AW presented the Defender of Worker Freedom award to Rep. Onder at his office on Capitol Hill. Kim Kavin, an entrepreneur who champions independent contractors, was also honored with the award.

I4AW President F. Vincent Vernuccio presenting the Defender of Worker Freedom Award to Rep. Bob Onder at his office on Capitol Hill.  

To speak with I4AW President F. Vincent Vernuccio please email MaryEllen@i4aw.org to set up an interview.

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Institute for the American Worker is a non-profit 501c3 organization that educates policymakers on complex labor legislation and offers policy solutions that benefit the American worker.