Alitalia could face strikes, blockades

Alitalia SpA, Italy’s largest airline, faces strikes and airport blockades should CEO Giancarlo Cimoli seek bankruptcy protection for the carrier, cut thousands of jobs or break up the company, union officials said.

Cimoli said yesterday Alitalia will be liquidated within three weeks if unions do not agree to new, non-negotiable contracts and a 30% reduction in staff, said Andrea Cavola, secretary general of the Sult union, which represents 1,200 Alitalia flight attendants.

“We’re convinced Cimoli wants unions to say no so Alitalia has the alibi to go to bankruptcy protection. We’ve not set a strike date because we want to save this company. We’re saying ’don’t force us’,’’ Cavola said.