ROME, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Italy's government has asked Fiat to delay plans to lay off about 8,000 workers, sources said on Monday, as the loss-making industrial group was meeting with unions and government ministers.
Fiat wants to put 5,550 workers on a government and company funded temporary layoff scheme from next week as part a restructuring plan to pull it clear of losses. Another 2,060 workers would join the scheme next June.
"During the talks, the government asked the company to suspend the temporary layoff procedure," one source said.
Another union source said Labour Minister Welfare Roberto Maroni asked Fiat to delay things by two weeks while Deputy Prime Minister Gianfranco Fini asked for a one-week break.
To use the temporary layoff scheme, Fiat needs a green light from the government.