Piece Work: Definition and Regulations - Working-in-Germany
 
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Piece Work: Definition and Regulations


Definition, Explanation

Piece work is defined as work paid for according to the quantity produced. The output is usually measured by the number of pieces produced. For this reason piece work is mainly found in manufacturing settings. The German Gabler Wirtschaftslexikon Piece work is a very demanding job for employees. They often try to achieve a higher output and outperform average rates. This form of work requires high concentration and working faster. (Gabler Economic Dictionary) defines piecework as "Employment, which is paid for according to the quantity of work achieved". An important aim of piecework is to encourage employees to produce more in a given period, because payment by piece work rates can increase their wages.

Piecework is regulated by an employment contract, a collective agreement or a company agreement. Piece work in Germany refers to payment by the piece (piece rate) and payment for a certain area or surface (Flächenakkord).

Piece work is paid on the basis of a piece rate.

According to law piecework is forbidden for

Typical jobs for piece work:

  • assembling ballpoint pens
  • Production: assembling or bringing parts together

Work breaks for piece workers are the same as for other employees, therefore breaks depend on the amount of working hours. The regulations for occupational health and safety and on-call service also apply to piece work.



Last update: 08/03/2010
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