Alcoa aluminium output in Sardinia normal-sources

MILAN, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Aluminium production at Alcoa Inc's (AA.N) Portovesme plant in Sardinia is continuing at normal rates despite worker protests, union sources said on Monday. Normal annual production at the plant is 159,000 tonnes of aluminium, they added. The workforce, which is protesting against the possible closure of the Portovesme plant, is working regularly at the factory even if, since last Tuesday, the aluminium produced there is blocked inside the factory, they said. In November Alcoa said it would temporarily idle operations at its smelters in Italy after the European Commission ordered it to pay back most of the state aid it had received in Italy since 2006. An agreement was signed on Nov 26 between Alcoa and the Italian Industry ministry under which the government would try to find ways to lower the cost of energy for Alcoa. The government will meet again with Alcoa and unions on Dec. 9 to check on progress of the accord. Alcoa has set a deadline of Dec. 21 to know how much power will cost it in 2010. On the basis of that it will take a decision on whether to stay in Italy. (Reporting by Egidiangela Sechi; editing by James Jukwey) ((stephen.jewkes@thomsonreuters.com; +39 02 6612 9695; Reuters Messaging: stephen.jewkes@reuters.com@reuters.net)