No Vic train strikes, but no pay deal

Melbourne's AFL grand final week will go ahead without rail strikes after the train drivers' union called them off.

Metro Trains and the Victorian government also announced an in-principle pay deal had been reached after lengthy Friday negotiations.

But the Rail, Tram and Bus Union said no deal had been reached.

"I'm optimistic we can work through the remaining issues by end of Monday as we continue to strive for a fair enterprise agreement," union secretary Luba Grigorovitch said on Friday.

The union did confirm next week's strikes - which included refusing to check myki cards on grand final day - have been called off.