Alitalia has announced the cancellation of 142 flights for Tuesday due to the strike by staff protesting over the ending of certain employee benefits.
Alitalia CEO, Cramer Ball, described the strike action "incomprehensible and unfair." He added that it was linked to the recent ending of a "privilege for pilots and staff members" which allowed them to travel for free from different parts of Italy to get to or from their bases in Rome or Milan.
The decision to end that arrangement was taken "to save money, and in line with other airlines in Europe and the rest of the world," the statement said.
The Fit-Cisl labour union condemned what it said was an "attack on the rights of workers," stressing that Alitalia staff had "always shown a great responsibility and professionalism," including in tough times.