ITALY: The announcement on July 18, 2001, by Fiat Auto SpA that it will slash output by 18,000 units in September 2001 due to a slowdown in European sales will result in large numbers of layoffs at the carmaker. Italian unions have reported that 5,400 workers will be laid off between August 27-September 2; 4,700 workers between September 3-9; 700 between September 10-16 and 7,200 workers between September 24-30.
The models affected are the Fiat Punto and Marea, the Alfa Romeo 166 and 156 and Lancia Lybra. The plants involved are Mirafiori, Rivalta, Pomigliano, Termini Imerese and Arese.
Source: AFX News