Featherbedding - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

Featherbedding refers to the practice of requiring employers to hire more employees than are actually needed, or to pay employees for work that is not performed. It's like padding a bed with extra feathers for unnecessary comfort – hence the name. This can happen through union rules or other regulations. The goal is often to create or preserve jobs, but it can also lead to inefficiency and higher costs. Featherbedding is generally viewed negatively, as it represents a waste of resources. It's an economic drag.

Etymology

The term 'featherbedding' originated in the railroad industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It described union rules that required railroads to employ firemen on diesel locomotives, even though their jobs were no longer necessary. The idea was that these workers were being kept 'soft' or 'comfortable' like someone lying on a feather bed.

Related Words

Examples

• "The company was accused of featherbedding by hiring extra staff who had little to do."
• "The union contract was criticized for promoting featherbedding."
• "The new regulations were designed to eliminate featherbedding in the construction industry."
• "The politician promised to crack down on featherbedding in government agencies."

Encouragement

Understanding concepts like featherbedding can help you analyze economic and labor issues more critically. Think about the balance between job security and efficiency. Stay informed and ask questions! 🤔

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