Biggest Alitalia unions move closer toward agreement on rescue plan

Alitalia SpA's potential buyers reached agreement with its biggest unions on a rescue plan that was immediately denounced by groups representing more than 7,000 pilots and cabin crew regarded as key to the takeover's success.

Four of the Italian airline's nine unions agreed on a deal proposed by CAI, the investor group formed to save the Rome- based carrier from collapse.

The unions represent two-thirds of Alitalia's workers but not most pilots and flight attendants.