ITALY: Fiat Auto informed Italian metalworkers' unions yesterday (October 9) it will lay off 8,100 workers, about one-fifth of its domestic workforce, as part of the automaker's latest restructuring plan. Although job cuts had been rumoured for some time, the figure is even higher than expected, and all but one of Fiat's six assembly plants in the country will be affected by the job losses. According to a company statement, it will place 5,600 workers (5,000 in car assembly jobs and 600 in components) on a one-year layoff scheme in December 2002, and another 2,000 will go in July 2003. The jobs of 500 long-time workers approaching retirement will also be part of the plan. Reacting to Fiat's announcement, the unions will begin protest action by staging a four-hour strike in all company facilities on October 11.