Pieceworker

Pieceworkers are paid according to their output – for example, the number of garments sewn, fruits picked, or tasks completed. This system differs from hourly wages where pay is based on time worked. It's common in industries where output can be easily quantified. The pay per item or task is usually agreed upon beforehand and the total earnings depend on the worker's speed and efficiency.

Paying pieceworkers correctly

Piecework is only allowed where the employee's award or agreement provides for it, and a written piecework agreement is usually required. Awards that allow piecework set rules so that an average competent employee can earn more than the minimum hourly rate, and the Horticulture Award 2020 also guarantees pieceworkers at least the minimum hourly rate for the hours they work. Pieceworkers still get the National Employment Standards and superannuation. For example, a fruit picker paid per bin under the Horticulture Award 2020 must still receive at least the award's minimum hourly rate for the hours worked.

Read our guide to modern awards.