ROME, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Angry Alitalia pilots and flight assistants met on Monday to decide whether to continue opposing a takeover of the bankrupt carrier by a group of Italian businessmen or join other employees in backing the deal.
More than 1,000 Alitalia pilots, flight assistants and other staff gathered in the dining hall of Rome's main airport to hear union officials speak amid speculation they would agree to launch mass protests or strikes to cripple the airline.
CAI presented a binding offer for Alitalia's best assets last week despite winning the backing of only four major unions on new work contracts.
The remaining five unions -- who represent pilot and flight staff -- rejected the contracts arguing they discriminated against mothers with small children or employees with handicapped family members. CAI denies the accusations.
The investor group now plans to approach pilots and flight staff directly to offer them a job, with the carrier's relaunch by early December hinging partly on what the employees decide.
Local media reports said the head of the Anpav union Massimo Muccioli was forced to leave Monday's meeting under a hail of boos and insults, in a sign not all pilots and staff supported their unions' decision to oppose the CAI deal.
'I walked into the meeting and found myself before a true and real ambush,' Muccioli said.
'Not being able to explain the motives of my union, I had to leave the meeting.'
(Writing by Deepa Babington; Editing by Hans Peters) Keywords: ALITALIA/ (deepa.babington@reuters.com; + 39 06 8522 4369; Reuters Messaging: deepa.babington.reuters.com@reuters.net) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2008. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.
More than 1,000 Alitalia pilots, flight assistants and other staff gathered in the dining hall of Rome's main airport to hear union officials speak amid speculation they would agree to launch mass protests or strikes to cripple the airline.
CAI presented a binding offer for Alitalia's best assets last week despite winning the backing of only four major unions on new work contracts.
The remaining five unions -- who represent pilot and flight staff -- rejected the contracts arguing they discriminated against mothers with small children or employees with handicapped family members. CAI denies the accusations.
The investor group now plans to approach pilots and flight staff directly to offer them a job, with the carrier's relaunch by early December hinging partly on what the employees decide.
Local media reports said the head of the Anpav union Massimo Muccioli was forced to leave Monday's meeting under a hail of boos and insults, in a sign not all pilots and staff supported their unions' decision to oppose the CAI deal.
'I walked into the meeting and found myself before a true and real ambush,' Muccioli said.
'Not being able to explain the motives of my union, I had to leave the meeting.'
(Writing by Deepa Babington; Editing by Hans Peters) Keywords: ALITALIA/ (deepa.babington@reuters.com; + 39 06 8522 4369; Reuters Messaging: deepa.babington.reuters.com@reuters.net) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2008. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.