Tram drivers have deliberately timed a strike to coincide with the Australian Open, to have maximum impact in an escalating pay war.

About 1500 drivers and customer service workers at Yarra Trams will down tools for four hours between 10am and 2pm on January 28 and 30.

At the same time, thousands of people will be heading to the Australian Open semi and quarter finals.

Yarra Trams slammed the "unnecessary disruption" to the public, while the Rail Tram and Bus Union claimed to have been forced into action.

Melbourne tram drivers on strike at the Malvern tram depot in 2019.CREDIT:JUSTIN MCMANUS

"We have not taken industrial action for two months because we did not want to inconvenience the public over the past month, however Yarra Trams has now left us no choice," RTBU secretary Luba Grigorovitch said.

The RTBU claims it accelerated industrial action because Yarra Trams came back from the Christmas period with the exact same deal that has already been voted down by members.

Yarra Trams has offered a 12 per cent raise over four years, and also wants 15 per cent of the workforce to be part time to make the roster more flexible.

The RTBU insists the move would strip away job security.

RTBU State Secretary Luba Grigorovitch.CREDITAUL JEFFERS

Union members are still seeking an annual 5 per cent raise, having backed down from the initial demand of a 6 per cent yearly raise.