What about Sabena?
How would the former Sabena pilots feel about Alitalia's government subsidization? It ain't fair and it's a double standard in the EU... The Italian unions are notorious for illogical striking action (especially considering current LCC market conditions) in the face of changing markets... Wake up!!!!
Guess what? The industry has changed and Alitalia is a dinosaur with bloated costs and outdated work rules/policies.... Why should the Italian tax payer be forced to foot the bill for a bloated cost structure when they should be using that tax contribution to fly on cheaper FR, Volare or Wind Jet flights to holiday destinations?
If Sabena had to wind down, Alitalia should do the same if it cannot support itself... Don't worry, the Alitalia pilots would likely get picked up by expanding replacements like Volare, Ryanair, Air One and probably Easyjet.... More government subsidization is unfair to consumers (supports higher fares and inefficiencies) and non-competitive in this LCC world...
Ask the former Sabena pilots what they think about the situation...