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Leaders of the nine unions at Italy”s bankrupt carrier Alitalia are due to meet today (September 16) to thrash out a common strategy to present to the prospective buyer.
So far four of the main unions have reached an initial agreement with the 16-strong consortium Compagnia Aerea Italiana (CAI).
But the others, including pilots and cabin staff, have not agreed any deals.
Under CAI”s survival plan, about 3,000 of the 12,000-strong workforce will lose their jobs.
The plan involves the consortium buying out the government”s 49.9% stake and merging the airline”s profitable parts with rival carrier Air One.
The rest of the carrier, which has been in receivership for two weeks, would be liquidated.
Silvio Berlusconi, prime minister of Italy”s centre right government, repeated last night it was the only option for saving the airline.
The bankruptcy commissioner Augusto Fantozzi has already threatened to ground the airline and terminate all contracts if a deal is not reached between CAI and the unions.
One oil company has also refused to supply more fuel unless Alitalia produces the cash.
Mr Berlusconi said on television in Rome last night that the unions would be to blame if the talks did not succeed.
He added that the new carrier to emerge from the rescue plan would seek an international partner, preferably Lufthansa, the German carrier.
Air France KLM tried to buy up Alitalia earlier this year but failed to reach agreement with the unions.
The carrier has since indicated it is interested in taking a stake in the new emergent airline.
For more information, visit www.alitalia.com.
Stanley Slaughter
ABTN has reported extensively on Alitalia. See related stories below:
Union deal might save Alitalia (15/09/08)
Alitalia rescue talks suspended (12/09/08)
Alitalia warns unions (11/09/08)
Alitalia unions reject investors offer (09/09/08)
Alitalia finally goes bust (30/08/08)
More...