Agreement in Italian rubber industry

Unions have reached agreement for the 150,000 employed in the Italian rubber industry after seven months of negotiation. The two-year deal increases monthly pay by Euro31.50 over two years, with 55% being paid this year and 45% in 2001. There is also a lump sum payment of Euro72.31 to offset the four months from 1 January 2000 without an increase. Hours are being cut for those working continuous shifts and time banking is being introduced to control the use of overtime. In future half of the overtime worked must be taken as time off. Workers with 18 months of service also get an extra day's holiday.