What does featherbedding refer to, as prohibited by the Taft-Hartley Act?

Featherbedding refers to the practice where unions require employers to pay for more labor than is necessary or for work that is not performed. This often involves situations where unions push for positions or roles to be maintained even when there is no actual need for them, essentially creating an artificial demand for labor. This concept was specifically addressed by the Taft-Hartley Act, which aimed to limit union practices that could be seen as abusive or economically detrimental, such as featherbedding. By prohibiting this practice, the Act sought to protect employers and ensure fair labor practices, promoting a more efficient workforce without unnecessary costs attributed to unneeded labor.