Greek lawmakers passed a bill including plans to fire 15,000workers by the end of next year as the government of Prime MinisterAntonis Samaras cleared the latest hurdle to receivinginternational aid payments.

A total of 168 lawmakers voted in favor of the law, 123 againstand one cast a “present” vote, Parliament Speaker Yannis Tragakissaid in remarks carried live on state-run Vouli TV after aroll-call vote.

Greece's government and international creditors reached anagreement on conditions to receive more aid, including firing stateworkers and extending a property tax paid through electricity billsfor another year, on April 15, paving the way for the disbursementof the 2.8 billion euros ($3.7 billion) remaining from a previousreview. Final approval for the payment of the tranche by the euroarea is due today, according to Finance Minister YannisStournaras.