Fiat workers plan strike over job conditions

ROME, Oct 9 (AFP): Italy's metal-workers' union FIOM agreed Saturday to call a strike in Fiat factories across the country on October 21 to protest threats to their job contracts. The eight-hour strike will also affect subsidiaries and be coupled with a national demonstration in Rome, FIOM chief Giorgio Airaudo, citing various developments at Fiat that had angered workers. Italy's biggest company announced Monday it would be leaving the Italian employers' federation Confindustria in order not to be bound by collective bargaining agreements. Fiat has signed new contracts with workers at some plants, including Pomigliano, Mirafiori and Grugliasco despite union opposition, toughening work conditions in return for investment.