The ruling bloc agreed Monday with some opposition parties to modify a labor reform bill aimed at tackling Japan's chronic overwork problem, paving the way for its passage before the Diet closes on June 20, lawmakers said.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner, Komeito, are looking at Wednesday for passing the contentious bill via tje House of Representatives panel overseeing it. They now have the support of two small opposition parties, Nippon Ishin no Kai and Kibo no To (Party of Hope).
While the ruling parties hold a comfortable majority in the 465-seat Lower House, they do not want the public thinking the bill would be rammed through the Diet without the consent of the opposition camp.