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Hopes rose of saving the airline, which has no money to buy fuel, after the consortium and four of the main unions reached an initial agreement.
But Reuters reported that unions representing pilots and cabin crews were still holding out.
The deal with the four unions was reached earlier today (September 15).
Under the agreement, about 3,000 workers at Alitalia would lose their jobs, leaving a rump of 12,500 employees.
But there was no indication whether the pilots and cabin crew would accept it.
The talks which resumed today were also on pay cuts which all the unions have so far opposed.
The Italian oil company ENI has also refused to supply oil unless there is cash up front, leading to fears that flights may be grounded.
ENI ceo Paolo Scaroni was quoted by Reuters as saying he would not supply fuel without cash ”not even if Berlusconi (the Italian prime minister) or the Pope asks me to."
The rescue deal for the carrier would see the break up of the airline in its present form with the profitable parts being merged with rival Air One to form a new smaller carrier.
The rest would be liquidated with the Italian taxpayer footing the bill.
The consortium, Compagnia Aerea Italiana, a group of 16 investors is ready to pay ”1bn for the carrier, including the government”s 49.9% share.
Talks were suspended at one stage over the weekend.
Augusto Fantozzi, the commissioner appointed after the airline went into receivership, has already threatened to terminate contracts and ground the carrier if the consortium and unions do not reach agreement.
For more information, visit www.alitalia.com.
Stanley Slaughter
ABTN has reported extensively on Alitalia. See related stories below:
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...