Akkordlohn (Piece-Rate Pay)
Akkordlohn is compensation calculated per unit of work completed—by the piece, hour of output, or production target—rather than by time worked. It's common in manufacturing, cleaning, and logistics. Swiss labour law (ArG) requires that piece-rate workers earn at least the minimum wage for their canton and that pay systems be transparent and verifiable.
Akkordlohn means your employee is paid per unit of output: per kilogramme assembled, per square metre cleaned, per item produced. The focus shifts from hours clocked to results delivered. This differs from hourly or monthly Pensum-based pay.
Piece-rate systems can motivate efficiency and control labour costs. However, Swiss law treats Akkordlohn as a contract term that must protect worker dignity and minimum earnings. Canton wage floors apply regardless of how many units are completed.
When Akkordlohn Applies
You typically use Akkordlohn in roles where output is measurable and repeatable: production lines, agriculture, cleaning contracts, logistics sorting, or skilled trades paid by the job. It works best when the unit (piece, metre, kilogramme) is clear and consistent.
Before introducing piece-rate pay, check whether your industry has a standard GAV (collective labour agreement) that governs Akkordlohn rates and conditions. Many cantons and sectors set norms. Your local chamber of commerce can advise on sector practice.
- Manufacturing assembly and packing roles
- Cleaning and facility services
- Agricultural harvest and preparation work
- Logistics and warehouse sorting
- Skilled trades (masonry, carpentry) paid per job
- Handcraft and artisanal production
Employer Obligations Under Swiss Law
The ArG (Bundesgesetz über die Arbeit in Industrie, Gewerbe und Handel) requires that Akkordlohn be fair, transparent, and allow workers to earn at least the canton minimum wage in a standard working week. You must document the piece-rate formula clearly.
Pay slips must show the number of pieces/units completed and the rate per unit. Workers have the right to verify their calculations. Many cantons require a written agreement setting out rates, piece definitions, and deductions before work begins.
- Minimum wage protection: earnings must meet canton floor for 42–44 hours/week
- Written contract specifying rate per unit and piece definition
- Transparent pay slip showing units completed and per-unit rate
- Right of worker to audit and verify piece counts and calculations
- No deductions except those allowed by ArG and canton law
- Regular review to ensure rates remain fair if production conditions change
The Most Common Mistake
Employers often set Akkordlohn rates so loose that workers cannot realistically earn the minimum wage in standard hours. A cleaner paid CHF 0.80 per square metre or an assembler on CHF 0.15 per unit may work full-time and earn below canton floor—a violation even if the contract was signed.
Before launching piece-rate pay, do the maths: How many pieces can a reasonably skilled, focused worker complete in one hour? Calculate the hourly equivalent. If it falls below your canton minimum, the rate is unsustainable legally. Get advice from your canton labour office (Arbeitsamt/ORP) or a lawyer before rolling out Akkordlohn.
- Setting rates too low so workers can't meet canton minimum wage in standard hours
- Failing to document the piece-rate formula or unit definition in writing
- Not accounting for non-productive time (setup, cleaning, breaks, equipment failure)
- Changing rates mid-contract without agreement or notice
- Mixing Akkordlohn with unpaid setup or prep time
- Ignoring canton wage floors and assuming any agreed rate is legal
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use Akkordlohn for office or administrative work?
- Rarely. Piece-rate pay works best where output is measurable and independent (units assembled, metres cleaned). Office work—like data entry or customer service—is harder to meter fairly and is usually better paid hourly or monthly.
- What happens if production slows due to broken equipment or supply delays?
- The worker cannot be penalised for stoppages beyond their control. You must either guarantee a minimum hourly rate during downtime, provide alternative work, or cover the shortfall. Swiss law protects workers from earnings collapse due to factors outside their control.
- Do I need canton approval to introduce Akkordlohn?
- No blanket approval is required, but many cantons set minimum piece-rate norms in GAVs. Check with your canton labour office (ORP/Arbeitsamt) and your sector's collective agreement before launching. A lawyer can help ensure compliance.
General information for Swiss employers, not legal advice. Have a lawyer confirm anything with legal consequences.