Organized labor is stepping up its campaign to secure passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, legislation the hotel industry fears will significantly boost unionization of many lodging businesses. On the eve of President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration, a group called Americans Right to Work is launching a $3-million national TV campaign promoting the bill. The ads will be seen on CNN, CNN Headline News, MSNBC, Comedy Central and on the Sunday-morning political talk shows.

Obama has expressed support for the bill, at least party to pay a debt for labor’s backing during the election, but he’s seemed to back off making it a priority during his Administration’s early days.

The bill would make it easier for unions to organize any size business and force arbitration into the process when labor and management can’t agree on a contract.