THE Scottish TUC called on the Scottish government to immediately reverse its decision to extend the Scotrail franchise with privateer First Group on Wednesday.
"Alex Salmond is setting himself up for a fight with the decision over the Scotrail franchise," said ASLEF delegate Kevin Lindsay.
"Six weeks ago, the Scottish Transport Minister met with the STUC and promised to be open with us. Then he made a sneaky stroll down to the stock exchange to announce the franchise extension."
The STUC warned that the decision gives "a worse deal for Scotland, putting proft before passengers."
Congress reiterated its support for renationalisation of the railways and rejected proposals by the Conservatives for a break-up of Network Rail and transfer of responsibilities to private train-operating companies.
Congress slammed the European Commission and the Scottish government for initiating an inquiry into subsidies paid to Scottish ferry companies.
West coast lifeline ferry company CalMac has only just emerged from an EU-instigated tendering process which cost £17 million and resulted in no eventual bidder apart from the public operator.
"Just when we thought it was safe to go back into the water," said RMT delegate George Lonie, himself a CalMac worker, "the sharks are circling again."
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