Greek government faces split on austerity vote

ATHENS, Greece -- A junior partner in Greece's coalition government says it won't vote for labor reforms that are part of a major new austerity package due in parliament next week.

The Democratic Left party late Thursday rejected revised proposals by the conservative-led government that would be part of the package aimed at saving (EURO)13.5 billion ($17.5 billion) over the next two years. The cuts are being demanded by Greece's international creditors as a condition of continued rescue loans.

Conservative Prime Minister Antonis Samaras formed the coalition government with traditional rival Socialists and the Democratic Left after elections in June, gaining the combined support of 176 seats in the 300-member parliament.

Democratic Left has 16 seats in parliament, allowing the austerity measures to pass with support from the other two coalition parties.