More unions sign off on possible deal with struggling Alitalia deal

By The Associated Press

ROME - Alitalia's four major union confederations have signed off on a rescue plan for the bankrupt Alitalia airline, signalling a possible breakthrough.

But the deal still lacks a crucial signoff from pilots and flight attendants. The powerful CGIL union signed the deal during a meeting with Italian investors at Chigi Palace on Thursday.

CGIL was among the unions that refused last week to sign the plan. The investors withdrew their plan in response.

The rescue plan won't be secure without the approval of the unions representing most of pilots and flight attendants.

They are to meet later Thursday at Rome's Leonard da Vinci airport with the rank-and-file.