On several occasions during the past week, D'Alema provoked the anger of the unions by calling for greater flexibility among Italian companies.

He spoke in particular of problems concerning the Work Statute, the Constitution of the labor market, which is to have effect only in companies with fifteen employees or more.

D'Alema sees this limit as a barrier to the hiring of staff, and therefore a brake on new jobs.

"Workers' rights cannot possibly be seen as a brake on jobs," the unions replied.

On Tuesday 2nd Feb., Sergio D'Antoni, leader of Italy's second-largest labor union CISL hinted at the use of industrial action to defend the Work Statute.

Meanwhile metal workers, who are discussing their contract at this time, have announced a strike for the 18th Feb., while bank staff are expected to announce today, 3rd Feb., whether to go on strike.