Vic train strikes threaten to tarnish AFL

A four-hour weekend train strike in Melbourne has gone by almost unnoticed, but the threat of more industrial action lingers with the possibility it could affect the AFL finals.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union members at Metro Trains held another four-hour stoppage on Saturday between 2am and 6am.

The early morning strike caused very few issues for commuters, the RTBU said.

It followed the industrial action that shut down Melbourne's train network for most of Friday, and a one-hour stoppage on Thursday morning.

But Friday's strike did not cause the predicted peak-hour bedlam, with many Melburnians choosing to work from home or take the day off.

CFMEU boss John Setka has come under fire for suggesting the AFL footy finals would be a good time to stop Melbourne's trams and trains.

Speaking at a rally during Friday's strike, Mr Setka told the crowd they had the power to stop services during the finals if pay negotiations sour.

"It's the (AFL) finals time soon, what a wonderful time to have some industrial action," he said.

Shadow treasurer Michael O'Brien has labelled the threat as outrageous.

"For unions to threaten to strike on one of the most important days in this country, on the sporting calendar ... it would pretty much be an act of treason," he told reporters on Saturday.

"I would say to both parties, don't make commuters the pawns in your industrial battle."

Metro Trains and the union are expected to resume talks on Monday.

The union has recently knocked back a pay offer which includes a 17 per cent rise over four years because of changes to workers' conditions.

Another tram strike is planned for Thursday and the union hasn't ruled out further industrial action.