BULLISH Arriva bosses last night claimed that as many as 200 staff will turn their backs on the latest strike by conductors in a dispute over pay.

Members of the Rail Maritime and Transport workers union will stage a 19th day of industrial action today for 24 hours.

The union has rejected a four per cent pay offer, plus 1.4 per cent from productivity gains,which is on top of a further three per cent increase from next April. It is holding out for a near ten per cent pay rise.

Last night, Arriva managing director Euan Cameron said nearly 200 employees, including more than 80 conductors, had indicated they would not be taking strike action.

The company says that about 75 per cent of its network will operate as normal today although some ticket offices will be closed.

Retail staff are also joining the action in a separate dispute over pay.

Mr Cameron said: "A number of good offers have been put on the table and it is time for the RMT to take stock of the situation."

Earlier this week, Arriva accused RMT officials of trying to intimidate workers by publishing the names of those breaking the strike action. The union hit back with renewed claims of bullying by Arriva managers.

RMT regional organiser Stan Herschel said: "After nine months of strikes, my members remain solid in their support and we have a justifiable argument."

The RMT will be staging a demonstration outside Newcastle's Central Station today.