The RMT union said it will oppose what it claims are DfT plans to withdraw East Coast services between Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2011. The proposal was revealed in a briefing by managers, according to the union.
Scottish Labour MP Katy Clark will be tabling an Early Day Motion condemning the planned closure. The general secretary of the RMT, Bob Crow, said: "It is clear now that there has been a carve up behind closed doors which threatens the future of the important East Coast Mainline connection into Glasgow. We know that MPs and MSPs from all parties will be furious at this attack on a crucial Scottish rail link and RMT will be fighting all out to stop this proposal from being ratified on 8 January.
"Time is short and it is deeply cynical of East Coast to try and bundle this decision through over the Christmas and New Year period. We are urging the public to contact MPs and MSPs urgently to wind up the pressure to block this plan before it is too late."
Mr Crow also warned that the "cash-driven plan would blow a massive hole in rail services through north and south Lanarkshire, with dire social and economic consequences".
Although no decision has been taken, it does appear that changes are in the pipeline. A spokesman for East Coast said: "A new timetable is being developed for the East Coast Main Line which will represent the biggest timetable change since electrification in 1991.
“This will be a standard pattern timetable, which is easier to remember, will have faster journey times to key destinations and 25 extra weekday services.
“The development of this timetable is a major undertaking that involves industry partners, including East Coast. As part of this process, Network Rail has identified train pathing issues with our existing Glasgow to London route. The Department for Transport and Transport Scotland are examining options to resolve these pathing issues. We are committed to keeping our staff fully informed of the latest developments.”