Plans for the sale of Telecom Italia's(TIM) landline grid NetCo to American fund KKR is "madness", Maurizio Landini, the leader of Italy's largest trades union confederation CGIL, said on Saturday.
"We have said from the outset that the separation and sale of the network is an error," said Landini on the sidelines of peace march in Rome.
"Splitting up the company is madness. It is exactly the opposite of what is needed," he continued.
"This way, there is the risk of challenging a company that is fundamental for our country," insisted Landini.
"The government continues to turn a deaf ear."In January the government have the green light to the sale ofTIM's fixed line grid, insisting that the operation "safeguards the national interest and guarantees State control over the strategic assets of the primary telecommunications network"under golden -power measures.
Under the deal that could reach 22 billion euros, the ItalianState is to take a stake of up to 20% of the grid, which is considered strategic infrastructure.
TIM wants to sell some assets to bring down its debts, which add up to around 26 billion euros.
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