Sections 11 and 12 of the Code on Wages, 2019: Wages for Multiple Classes of Work and Piece Work

Sections 11 and 12 protect minimum wage entitlement where an employee performs more than one class of work carrying different minimum wage rates, or where a person performs piece work for which a minimum time rate, but no minimum piece rate, has been fixed.

Current legal status: Sections 1 to 41 of the Code on Wages, 2019, including Sections 11 and 12, were brought into force with effect from 21 November 2025 by Central Government Notification S.O. 5322(E). The Code now provides the statutory framework for these wage protections.

Section 11 - Wages for two or more classes of work

Statutory rule: Where an employee does two or more classes of work and a different minimum rate of wages applies to each class, the employer must pay wages for the time spent on each class of work at not less than the minimum rate applicable to that class.

What Section 11 means

Section 11 addresses a situation in which the same employee performs different categories of work during the wage period. If those categories carry different notified minimum wage rates, the employee's entitlement is not determined by applying one lower rate to all the work. The employer must account for the time occupied in each class and pay at least the minimum rate in force for that class.

For practical compliance, employers should maintain reliable wage and attendance records that allow the nature of work and the time spent on different classes of work to be identified where different minimum rates apply.

Section 12 - Minimum time rate wages for piece work

Statutory rule: Where a person is employed on piece work for which a minimum time rate has been fixed under the Code but no minimum piece rate has been fixed, the employer must pay wages at not less than the applicable minimum time rate.

What Section 12 means

Piece work ordinarily links earnings to the quantity or units of work produced. Section 12 prevents the absence of a separately fixed minimum piece rate from defeating minimum wage protection. Where the applicable Government has fixed a minimum time rate for the work but has not fixed a minimum piece rate, the worker must receive at least the minimum time rate.

Section 11 and Section 12 at a glance

Provision	When it applies	Minimum payment requirement
Section 11	An employee performs two or more classes of work carrying different minimum wage rates.	At least the applicable minimum rate for the time spent in each class of work.
Section 12	A person performs piece work for which a minimum time rate exists but no minimum piece rate has been fixed.	At least the applicable minimum time rate.

Related provisions

Sections 11 and 12 form part of Chapter II of the Code dealing with minimum wages. They should be read with the provisions on payment of minimum rates, fixation of minimum wages, components of minimum wages, revision of rates, floor wage, wages for a person working for less than a normal working day, normal working hours and overtime.

Important: The actual minimum rate payable depends on the applicable wage notification and the appropriate Government having jurisdiction over the employment. Employers and employees should therefore check the current Central or State/Union Territory wage notification applicable to the establishment, category of work, skill level and location.

Last reviewed: 16 September 2026.