Strike hits struggling airline

A strike forced Alitalia to cancel 40 flights today as the bankrupt Italian airline fights for survival.

Alitalia's website warned passengers about the four-hour strike, scheduled to last from noon to 4pm (10am to 2pm Irish time).

The cancelled flights included domestic routes and flights across Europe.

A small union known as Cub called the strike to protest against a plan by potential investors to save Alitalia. The rescue formula involves slashing the number of aircraft, and job cuts.

Italian transport minister Altero Matteoli called the striking workers irresponsible.

Premier Silvio Berlusconi has warned it will be the unions' fault if the Alitalia rescue plan fails.