The labor minister conveyed a negative response to a remark by a ruling party official who said that increasing the unit period of operating flexible work hours to six months could be reviewed.

Employment and Labor Minister Kim Young-joo said Friday the idea mentioned by Democratic Party floor leader Hong Young-pyo will defeat the purpose of the shorter work hour rule set to take effect from Sunday.

The minister said that if a flexible work hour system is conducted for six months, the shorter work hour rule will lose its significance.

During a meeting with officials of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday, the ruling party floor leader said that extending the duration of flexible work hours to six months could be reviewed. The current maximum length is three months. 

With the introduction of shorter weekly work hours, businesses are demanding a longer unit period for operating flexible works hours.

But labor circles oppose this call saying it could raise the intensity of work.