Strikers said few workers had crossed the picket line

The walkout closed schools, museums and leisure centres and shut down Glasgow's subway and main bus station.

Social work services were hit, with only "life and limb" emergency cover and refuse collections were halted.

On the picket lines, strikers hailed the action a success though said they regretted causing disruption. Many members of the public backed them.

The first indication of the strike was deserted streets surrounding schools.

They are trying to secure their future so I am on their side Student Evelyn McLean

Further evidence was provided by the closed shutters on Glasgow underground stations.

On the picket line outside City Chambers, Unison members gathered in the rain.

Iain Montgomery, union equality officer and council committee clerk, said: "The strike is going very well.

"We've seen around 40 staff going into the chambers where 8,000 people work."

Mr Montgomery warned the dispute could continue into the summer.

Anne McNair, union publicity officer and department of regeneration services convener, described the strike as "solid".

Industrial action closed council buildings, schools and museums and hit transport In pictures

She added: "The disruption is regrettable, we are not comfortable about it."

At Buchanan Bus Station, strikers were surrounded by commuters.

A spokesman for the Transport and General Workers' Union said: "So far, so good.

"We're getting support from the public.

"We feel sympathy but unfortunately we had to do this.

"We're prepared to fight for as long as we need to."

Marjory Gray was returning home to Manchester with her daughter after visiting friends.

She said: "We knew nothing of this, I started to panic and thought we wouldn't get home.

"I am sympathetic to the people concerned."

'Morally incorrect'

Buses continued to leave from streets surrounding the station.

At nearby Glasgow Caledonian University students were met on the picket line.

Davena Rankin, 32, Unison branch secretary and commercial manager, said: "There is strong feeling and the public are supportive.

"To change the pension is morally incorrect."

The public voiced support for the walkout, unions said

Nursing lecturer Morag Campbell, 51, a Unison executive member, said: "We're pleased with the turnout.

"It's a pity a lot of students have turned up, it was a very late decision."

Electrical engineering student Ross Johnstone, 25, from Glasgow, said: "I never thought the university would be closed.

"I do support the staff and this doesn't disrupt me too much."

Social sciences student Evelyn McLean, 20, from Neilston, said: "I am annoyed I have come here to go back home.

"They are trying to secure their future so I am on their side."

In department stores opposite the bus station parents shopped with their children.

Laura Dillon, 27, works with East Dunbartonshire Council and was out on strike and looking after son Adam, six.

She said: "It is an important issue, retirement is a long time away but you must safeguard your future.