Melbourne trams to grind to a halt today as drivers strike

Melbourne's tram service is set to come to a halt this morning as drivers go on strike for better pay.

Services will stop between 10am and 2pm with replacement buses running during these hours.

The replacement services will prioritise routes around train and bus lines as well as hospitals, shopping centres and universities.

Tram operators are walking off the job after the Rail, Tram and Bus Union voted 90 per cent in favour of an increase in wages and as a stand against the hiring of part-time staff.

Negotiations for better pay have been underway since March and the union has already agreed to a wage increase for maintenance and technical employees under separate agreements.

"It is unnecessary and unhelpful for the RTBU to halt progress by taking further industrial action. We remain committed to continuing negotiations to reach a positive outcome," Yarra Trams CEO Nicolas Gindt said in a statement.

"We've already made two good offers including reasonable wage increases, but the RTBU refuse to discuss opportunities to offer people part-time work or improve rosters for our people."

Negotiations and conciliation in the Fair Work Commission continue. Another strike is scheduled to happen on December 5.