featherbedding

noun

feath·​er·​bed·​ding ˈfe-t͟hər-ˌbe-diŋ 

: the requiring of an employer usually under a union rule or safety statute to hire more employees than are needed or to limit production

Examples of featherbedding in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

People familiar with the matter say his chairmanship became increasingly untenable after The Wall Street Journal reported on internal disputes where high-ranking officials within the America250 organization accused its leadership of featherbedding, misuse of federal funds and mismanagement. —Jess Bravin, WSJ, 29 July 2022

Progressives under Obama and Biden see the Pentagon more as a vehicle for social policy and geopolitical featherbedding than as an instrument of deterrence and the national interest. —Matthew Continetti, National Review, 28 May 2022

The federal commission charged with commemorating 250 years of American independence in 2026 is at war with itself over allegations of featherbedding, favoritism and misappropriation of taxpayer funds. —Jess Bravin, wsj.com, 19 Mar. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

featherbedding

noun

feath·​er·​bed·​ding ˈfe-t͟hər-ˌbe-diŋ 

: the unfair labor practice of causing an employer to pay for services which are not performed (as by requiring more workers than necessary) see also Labor Management Relations Act

Etymology

from the notion of making oneself comfortable through the receipt of excessive or unjustified compensation for little or no work