ROME, Sept 26, 2008 (AFP) - Unions representing Alitalia flight attendants said Friday they would spend the weekend mulling whether to accept a rescue package for the loss-making airline, the ANSA news agency reported.

'There has been progress towards an agreement,' Antonio Divietri, president of the Avia union, told ANSA. 'We'll meet again on Monday.'

Fabrizio Tomaselli, secretary of the SDL union, agreed there had been progress but said it was 'less than expected,' ANSA said.

The two unions together represent some 2,500 air stewards and hostesses.

Two other unions, representing 1,400 pilots, were still in talks on Friday as the Italian government sought unanimous backing for the billion-euro (1.45 billion dollar) rescue plan proposed by the Italian Air Company (CAI) investor group.

After allowing two deadlines to lapse for the four diehard unions to come on board, a government official said earlier: 'Negotiations continue (and) the hands of the clock have been stopped.'

The bulk of Alitalia's workforce, represented by five of the near-bankrupt airline's nine unions, have agreed to the CAI plan.

The deal could go ahead without all unions on board, Labour Minister Maurizio Sacconi told ANSA. Unanimous approval 'would be important ... but I think CAI can pursue its course in any case,' he said.

Italy's powerful CGIL union dropped its objections to the rescue plan on Thursday, prompting the CAI to revive its offer for the flag carrier, valid until October 15.

The left-wing union had rejected an accord reached last week with three other unions but reportedly won last-minute concessions on pay for ground crew, leave and temporary work contracts.