Flex-work schedules could see expansion

SHENZHEN: Irregular working hours could become more of a norm in this city under expanded regulations designed to help local companies weather financial crises.

"The system could help reduce labor disputes arising from the calculation of working hours, and would enable companies to arrange more flexible working schedules," Zhu Yuncai, a publicity official for the labor department, said yesterday.

Manufacturers could calculate working hours by the month or by the quarter so that overtime at busy periods could be offset during slowdown.