WASHINGTON - Some supplier executives await the end of President Bush's term with anxiety.

They're concerned that a future president and Congress may enact a law that would make it easier for labor unions to organize workers with a system known as the card check. Under the system, workers can approve a union by signing cards, without holding a secret-ballot election.

It is unlikely a card check bill will be enacted this year or next. Still, suppliers had the issue on the agenda last week at their fourth annual Washington summit. It was a topic at meetings with lawmakers, along with fuel economy, health care and parts counterfeiting.

"The question really is: Is (card check) a long-term policy for the country?" said Ann Wilson, vice president of government affairs for the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association. "And the members of MEMA feel very strongly that this is not a good way for us to go."

Last year's congressional elections showed how a shift in political fortunes can affect legislation in Washington.

Elections Matter

Bills authorizing card check have languished for years. But after Democrats took control of the House of Representatives in January, they made the legislation a priority. The House approved a card check bill on a 241-185 vote March 1.

Democrats also took control of the Senate this year by a narrow margin. But in that chamber, 60 of the 100 senators must be onboard to guarantee that a controversial measure can avoid a filibuster. Card check proponents appear short of that number. They also would be short of the two-thirds majorities they would need in both houses to override a Bush veto. But with a new president and a further shift in the Senate after the 2008 election, that outcome could change, say members of a broad business coalition that opposes card check. The UAW and other unions favor card check.

Some automotive workers have been organized by card check elections, but only after employers agreed to accept the results. Otherwise, a vote by secret ballot is required.

A Call for Unity

A more immediate issue for suppliers is fuel economy. Lawmakers in both houses of Congress and President Bush propose raising fuel economy standards by as much as 4 percent a year.

"This is a baseline we find untenable," Dave McCurdy told the suppliers' gathering. He is president of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which includes the Detroit 3, Toyota and five other automakers.

McCurdy urged the suppliers to help fight 4 percent annual increases. "This is a number that cannot be achieved by this industry as it is currently structured," he said.

About 100 supplier executives and managers attended the summit. Roughly half of MEMA's 700 member companies make parts and components for new cars and light trucks.

The summit included a technology show and congressional reception.

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