PIECEWORKERS Meaning and
Definition
-
Pieceworkers are individuals who are compensated based on the quantity or volume of work they produce, rather than being paid an hourly or salary rate. They earn income by completing specific tasks or producing a certain number of items. This form of compensation is commonly found in industries where the level of output can be easily quantified, such as manufacturing, assembly lines, and certain types of manual labor.
The term "pieceworker" refers not only to the work arrangement but also to the individuals who engage in this type of employment. They are typically self-employed or contract workers, and their remuneration is directly tied to their productivity. Pieceworkers often have autonomy over their work schedule, as they determine how many units they can produce within a given timeframe.
Piecework compensation can take various forms, including payment per unit, per completed task, or per piece of an item produced. This method of payment is often used in conjunction with quality control measures to ensure that each completed unit meets the required standards.
While piecework can offer incentives for increased productivity and efficiency, it may also pose challenges for workers. They may experience fluctuations in income based on productivity levels and may need to consistently maintain a high work rate to earn adequate wages.
Overall, pieceworkers are individuals who earn income based on their output, providing goods or completing tasks as agreed upon with employers or clients, rather than receiving a fixed or hourly wage.
Etymology of PIECEWORKERS
The word "pieceworkers" is derived from the word "piecework". The etymology of "piecework" dates back to the 14th century, where "piece" refers to a particular quantity or measure of goods or work. It originated from the Old English word "pecen", meaning a bit or fragment. The term "piecework" evolved to describe a system of paying workers per completed unit or piece of work they produced. "Pieceworkers" refers to individuals or workers who are engaged in this type of labor or employment arrangement.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
