An Italian lawmaker said leather upholstery major Natuzzi has agreed to suspend plans to lay off more than 1,700 workers, according to a Reuters story.

The Reuters story said the company made the decision after meeting with Italian government officials on Friday. Another meeting with government officials is planned.

Natuzzi announced earlier this week that it planned to lay off 1,726 employees in Italy - more than one-third of the 4,500 it employs there - in an effort to reverse six straight years operating losses.