ROME, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Italian auto workers' unions resumed talks with Fiat in combative mood on Friday, determined to stop the crisis-hit group carrying out a revival plan that includes some 8,000 planned layoffs.
"If Fiat thinks it can carry out this plan relying on state jobless benefits (to take care of the workers), we don't think that is an option," said Gianni Rinaldini, head of the biggest metalworkers' union.
Fiat, Italy's largest private employer, is battling to reduce its debt pile and revive its loss-making car unit. It is locked in negotiations with the government and the unions, who want to limit job losses.
The unions on Friday proposed temporary layoffs of one week a month, rotating from plant to plant, saying this would help prevent any complete plant closure.
But one union leader emerging from the talks said the company had rejected the proposal.
Fiat workers, who have striked, marched and blocked a port and an airport in recent weeks in protest at the planned layoffs, will stage at least six more hours of strikes by December 5.