Alitalia Gives Flight Attendants 24 Hours To Reach Agreement

MILAN (AFP) - Alitalia management and unions representing flight attendants broke off talks, with the company setting an early Saturday deadline for agreement on a deal that could lead to approval of an overall rescue plan, union sources said.

Fighting for its survival, the airline has already come to terms with pilots and ground personnel on measures to keep the state-owned carrier in business.

Alitalia directors are to convene Monday to give official endorsement to a rescue package that would enable the company to draw on a 400-million-euro (488-million-dollar) government bridging loan that is critical to its future.

Management early Friday rejected a proposal from flight attendants for a two-stage agreement that would begin with an increase in flying time and a reduction in on-board staff followed by the renewal -- within two months -- of their labor contract.

Union sources said management had given them 24 hours to reach an agreement. The parties were to resume contacts later Friday.