In a plant where all the rates are set on a money basis (piece rates) a worker is regularly employed at a job where the guaranteed base rate is $8.80. This worker's regular earnings are in excess of $88 per day. Due to the pressure of work, the operator is asked to help out on another job, classified to pay $10 per hour. This employee works three days on this job and earns $80 each day.
a. How much should the operator be paid for each day's work on this new job? Why?
b. Would it make any difference if the operator had worked on a new job where the base rate was $8 per hour and had earned $72? Explain.