The Korea Employers Federation (KEF) voiced its opposition We dnesday to a provisional agreement for a 40-hour workweek, hammered out the previous day by business representatives and the Korean Metal Worker's Union (KMWU).

The KEF claimed implementation of the shorter workweek would exacerbate the problems facing smaller industrial sector companies that were already hard-pressed to turn a profit. It also cited the indecision of the Hyundai Motor Co., saying that such a course of action was premature at this juncture. Hyundai is the KMWU's single largest member.

Officials at the KEF added that, as of July 7, a total of 73 firms had withdrawn support for the negotiations that were concluded Tuesday, making it difficult for the agreement to be accepted by all parties.

A KEF analyst said that, with the management of so many companies unlikely to accept such a deal, a fog of uncertainty will continue to hang over the future of the metal industry.