Italy: Unions agree Alitalia rescue plan
On 29 September 2008, the last of the nine trade unions representing Alitalia staff signed up to an agreement to save the stricken airline, at the cost of more than 3,000 jobs and cuts in pay and benefits.
Alitalia, in which the Italian state holds a 49.9% stake, is estimated to be losing €2 million per day and is surviving on government loans.