Rail staff set to strike over conductor row

HUNDREDS of rail workers were expected to strike today in a dispute over the absence of conductors on a new service.

Union chiefs say they expected "significant disruption" to services during the 24-hour walkout, although ScotRail said nine out of ten trains would run as usual.

The row is over plans for drivers to operate the doors on a line from Glasgow to Edinburgh via Airdrie and Bathgate, with a ticket examiner as the second person on board.

RMT union general secretary Bob Crow said: "The core issue is passenger and staff safety, and the ripping up of agreements that protect the critical role of the guard on ScotRail trains."

National transport agency Transport Scotland approved the proposals for drivers to operate the doors on the line.

About 550 RMT members, including conductors, drivers and sleeper-train managers, took part in a 24-hour walkout nine days ago over the dispute.