Melbourne faces four days in a row of partial tram strikes next week, calculated to create confusion for commuters and raise pressure on Yarra Trams to bend to union demands for a better pay deal.

Talks between Yarra Trams and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union recommenced on Monday, but the two parties are yet to make a breakthrough despite having held dozens of bargaining sessions.

A staggered tram strike is planned for next week, with depot staff walking off the job on different days. Credit: Paul Jeffers

The union's tram and bus division secretary, Phil Altieri, told The Age that further tram strikes were certain next week unless Yarra Trams improved its latest offer of a 13 per cent pay rise over four years.

"We've made it very clear that unless a better offer is put on the table our industrial action will certainly proceed," Mr Altieri said.