Alitalia pilots unimpressed by offer

(ANSA) - Fiumicino, July 24 - Some Alitalia pilots said they were not convinced after meeting Thursday with officials from Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways about possible work in the United Arab Emirates.
    Etihad representatives met with about 100 pilots from the Italian carrier Alitalia to talk about job prospects with the company in the UAE if they lose work in Italy as a result of a deal between the two airlines.
    Etihad is close to investing about 560 million euros in loss-making Alitalia but as a condition, it is demanding debt restructuring and job reductions.
    It has said that some Alitalia pilots who lose their jobs could work with another of Etihad's partners.
    Some pilots left the meeting saying Etihad's proposals were suitable only for junior flight crew members still establishing their careers.
    "We were presented with contracts and salaries (that) were not appropriate for head pilots with 25 years' seniority," said one pilot leaving the meeting.
    Other participants said they had been told not to talk about the presentation, which reportedly included brochures on where to find Italian restaurants and cultural offerings in Abu Dhabi.