ALEXANDRIA, Va. -

I’m writing this blog post from AIADA’s headquarters, just outside of Washington, D.C. I made the trip out east in order to touch base with the AIADA staff, attend a few meetings and get a sense of what is happening in our capital that could impact dealers.

On Tuesday, my first day in town, the Senate held an important vote. It was an effort by Senate Republicans to overturn a law that, if the courts allow it, would enable unions trying to organize a workplace to fast track votes and in essence “ambush” the employer.

As expected, the effort to overturn the new regulations failed 54-45, along party lines. Democrats, as usual, supported the big labor-sponsored law, Republicans opposed it.

Sounds like business as usual in Washington. So, why should dealers care?

For one, the new regulations will make it easier for unions to organize, and more difficult for employers to offer alternatives, or even educate their workers on the consequences of organizing. The impact could be felt in our small businesses, and in the plants that manufacture our vehicles and parts.

Big labor is already spending, big time, on the 2012 elections. They are pouring money into Democratic coffers, determined to get their supporters elected and throw out any legislator that doesn’t toe their line. Thanks to new campaign financing laws, the money they have to spend is practically unlimited. As we know, money talks in Washington, and unions are being heard, loud and clear.

This spring and summer, keep an eye on how unions are working to influence our elections and the way we do business. And get involved in your own industry! In this day and age, it is more important than ever that we, as small business owners, do not allow ourselves to be silenced. Working with AIADA, we can also make ourselves heard.

With that in mind, take the time to register today for AIADA’s Summit in Washington, where you can learn more about labor, taxes, regulations, and other issues impacting your bottom line. You will have a chance to network with fellow dealers from around the country and hear directly from legislators and manufacturers. In addition, donate today to AFIT-PAC, the political action committee that represents our interests in Washington, D.C.

If we want to be heard in November, we have to start taking action now.

To view the original blog post, see here.

Ray Mungenast is the chairman of the American International Automobile Dealers Association.