Protesters are set to march through the streets of Edinburgh to the official residence of the First Minister over a “betrayal” of promises made during the Cop26 conference following the announcement of cuts to public services.
Rail, ferry and energy workers say they will demonstrate in response to soaring train ticket prices alongside infrastructure reductions including the removal of ticket offices.
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RMT bosses have accused Nicola Sturgeon of “abandoning promises to tackle the climate emergency by cutting services and privatisation”.
They also took aim at the privatisation of contracts to supply renewable wind power, with some going to fossil fuel giants including Shell and BP as a march from Waverley to Bute House was announced from 11am on Monday.
The union's general secretary Mick Lynch said: "Cop26 started only three months ago but already the lofty rhetoric about fighting climate change seems a distant memory as we witness a betrayal of ambitions by the SNP and Green Government to move towards a greener Scotland.
"Instead of cutting climate change the Government is cutting rail services and ticket offices, threatening the privatisation of our lifeline ferry services, and doing far too little to protect the livelihoods of energy workers and the vital service they provide.
"As the country approaches the local government elections in May, this protest will be the start of a concerted campaign to persuade politicians to protect these services and jobs which are so vital to our local communities."
Rail fares across Scotland rose by almost four per cent last week. with former transport minister Graeme Dey admitting the increase is "unwelcome" but insisting it is necessary because of the impact of the pandemic.
From January 24 regulated fares at both peak and off-peak times increased by 3.8%, a rise determined by the level of the Retail Price Index (RPI) .
While the cost of off-peak tickets has gone up by a lower amount in previous years, the latest increase applies to all services.
