Thousands of Fiat Auto workers right across Italy walked out yesterday to protest over the management's plans to turn the historic company around that they believe could end up resulting in job cuts.

The four hour strike was organised by the three biggest metalworker unions, who are highly concerned by the impact Fiat management's plan will have on the century-old carmarker.

At the Termini Imerese factory in Sicily, which has seen much recent industrial unrest, unions claimed around 90 percent of workers took part.

Around 3,000 employees gathered at the huge Mirafiori plant in Turin, the very epicenter of Fiat's operations.

These workers in particular were concered with comments from Fiat Auto CEO Herbert Demel, who has indicated that flagship models from Alfa Romeo and Lancia, the 166 and Thesis respectively, will not be replaced when their lifecycles end in a few years time.

Fiat's management, however, claimed that only around half the workforce had walked out at the Sicilian plant, which is home to the best-selling Punto model.

Meanwhile they reckoned that 30.9 percent had downed tools at Sevel, 14.3 percent at Fma, 11 percent at Pomigliano, and 3.3 percent at Termoli Powertrain. At the huge Mirafiori complex, 25.8 percent stopped work on the bodywork line, 8.4 percent on the press line, and 19 percent in the Powertrain department.

While Demel has not as yet announced any full plant closures, recent temporary lay-offs have involved thousands of workers.

This recent policy of short-term shutdowns to reduce overproduction, will continue this month when three plants, including Termini Imerese and Mirafiori, again will see staff laid off.

These policies are a key part of the Fiat Group's overall strategy to turn around the loss-making auto division. Plans involve major investment in a new model range, increasing efficiency at their plants, and streamlining current over production.