Strike could force Alitalia into bankruptcy
Italian state airline Alitalia warned today that a flight attendants strike this week could plunge the struggling carrier into bankruptcy.
“Around this time last year, Alitalia was close to bankruptcy,” the airline said.
The strike, which forced the airline to cancel at least 118 flights yesterday, “risks plunging the company into crisis once again”, it said.
The company is seeking to attract new private investors for a capital increase of €1.2bn later this year. Before it does so, the EU is making sure its latest rescue plan does not contain state aid.
The strike was called by the flight attendants to press for contract renewal. They have been worried about the airline’s restructuring plans, which include axing 3,700 jobs.
“It would be a paradox if we were to be defeated not because of external difficulties … but due to the foolishness of a few,” Alitalia said.
Alitalia has estimated its losses last year at €1bn – nearly as big as its current market capitalisation.
