"Even with zero fees, 2012 would be a record year unless there's a catastrophic event, " CEO Ennio Doris told Reuters.

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Moreover, Italy's strong employment record has a downside: zero or even negative productivity growth (see chart 4), as more marginal and less productive workers have been brought into the workforce.

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Aviation leaders are quick to point out the nation's impressive commercial airline safety record in 2010: zero fatal crashes.

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