TRAIN company Arriva last night accused unions representing its station and office staff of jumping the gun in calling new strike action.

The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association and the RMT rail union plan two days of action next Wednesday and Thursday.

They are to be joined on the Thursday by RMT train conductors working for Arriva Trains Northern.

Both unions are in dispute with the company over proposed pay deals.

It is understood Arriva had been preparing new pay proposals for its station and retail staff before the Wednesday and Thursday strike dates were called.

It has refused to give details of the offer, but has again stated that it will not concede to "unrealistic claims".

A spokeswoman said: "In respect of some clerical and supervisory grades, they are seeking a basic pay rise of between 25 and 31 per cent.

"We consider this to be unrealistic. Both unions which represent station and retail staff had been aware that we were firming up proposals to be put on the table following discussions in principle.

"Therefore we are very disappointed about the strike action for Wednesday and Thursday."

A series of disputes has hit the region's railways in recent months.

Arriva Trains Northern conductors and office and retail staff want pay increases in line with the 18 per cent given to the company's train drivers.

Drivers on Tyneside's Metro train service are also in dispute with operator Nexus and have rejected a 3.8 per cent pay offer