piece rate

American  

noun

1. compensation based on a worker's quantitative output or production, usually an agreed sum per article of work turned out.

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piece rate British  

noun

1. a fixed rate paid according to the quantity produced

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Etymology

Origin of piece rate

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

"They told me the labor contractor fired them because they were working on a piece rate and weren't picking fast enough," recalls Cruz, who himself works as a broccoli cutter.

From Salon

Physical health challenges can create stress for workers, many of whom are paid by piece rate.

From Seattle Times

About 85% of garment workers do not earn the minimum wage and are instead paid a piece rate of between 2-6 cents per piece.

From Reuters

One exception in the legislation would have allowed workers to be paid a piece rate if it was settled on in a collective bargaining agreement.

From Los Angeles Times

The piece rate can allow skilled workers to well exceed the minimum wage, but labor advocates say the rates are often set so low that apparel workers can make less than $5 an hour — even though employers are supposed to make up the difference and pay the legal minimum in such instances.

From Los Angeles Times