Commuters in Scotland experienced trouble on Monday when hundreds of rail workers staged a second of three planned 24-hour walkouts in a dispute over the absence of train-conductors on a new service.

But, train operator ScotRail claimed that the strike affected just one in ten services and business was as usual.

The RMT union is opposing ScotRail plans to use ticket examiners rather than conductors on a new rail service between Airdrie and Bathgate. The concerned rail service is due to open in December.

The rail operator wants to have drivers operate the doors. But, drivers claim that the move would jeopardize passengers' safety.

Speaking on the topic, RMT union general secretary Bob Crow said, "The core issue in this dispute is over passenger and staff safety."

First Minister Alex Salmond has appealed both sides to pursue talks to settle their differences.