SPECIAL PROBLEMS OF WAGES 14%

The above-named methods of payment are varied, and
to some extent combined, in what has been called task-wages.
[n this arrangement, the labour contract stipulates for the
completion of a given quantity of work in a given time for
an agreed wage. If the quantity be not completed, fines for
deficiencies are imposed. This plan aims at making explicit
a feature of the bargain which must be important, whether
definitely named or not. The employer of labour at timewages
 expects to receive service sufficient to do a definite
amount of work in that time, and the task-wage penalises
shortcomings by fines, while the only penalty available
otherwise is dismissal. The resort to dismissal in cases
where the work done fails frequently, or regularly, to attain
a satisfactory standard, is clearly not excluded by the fine
system.
As a means of stimulating to special diligence, various
systems of bonus, for work in excess of a fixed standard, are
In use. Some of these are known as progressive wages.
This name applies to cases where a fixed piece-rate is paid
for all work not exceeding a stated limit of quantity per
hour, per day, or per week, and, for any output beyond this
Quantity, a higher rate is paid. Occasionally, in place of a
single limit, above which rates are increased beyond the
normal, several such limits are fixed, and, as each is passed,
a higher rate becomes payable, for all output in excess of
that limit, than for what falls below the limit.
The conditions of employment frequently require that
workmen should work in groups, each member of which is
tngaged in contributing his share to the common task. The
output of the group may be capable of measurement, and be
conveniently paid for at a piece-rate, while the work of each
individual is not readily measured independently, If the
members of such a group divide the payment for the group’s
Output in fixed proportions, the earnings of each will depend
on the work of all. In such a case the different members of
the group may stimulate each other to diligence, or at any
fate check slackness on the part of individuals. Such
Mutual supervision by interested fellow-workmen may
reduce the necessity for close supervision on behalf of the