A UNION has been accused of “strong-arm” tactics over its plans to shut down Melbourne’s tram network tomorrow.

Trams across Melbourne will be brought to a standstill after a court last night ruled strike action could go ahead.

The entire tram fleet will come to a halt between 10am and 2pm tomorrow as workers walk off the job in an ugly pay-and-conditions dispute.

Around 100,000 commuters will likely be affected.

TRAINS: STRIKE PLANNED FOR NEXT WEEK

The disruptions could also hit peak-hour commuters, as the 400 trams are driven back to their depots before the official four-hour strike begins, creating commuter chaos and traffic gridlock.

Transport Minister Jacinta Allan she said it was upsetting negotiations had broken down and accused the Rail, Tram and Bus Union of “strong-arm tactics”.

“The government is bitterly disappointed with the unions decision to press ahead with industrial action which will see disruption on the tram network,” she said.

“It has become clear in the last couple of days the union is not putting the public’s interest first.

“It has been clear all along they wanted to take industrial action first and negotiation second.’’

Ms Allan said there was significant work on the negotiations but said the union “appears intent on taking industrial action”.

The union met with the minister at 11.30am yesterday promising it would try to avoid industrial action but issued a press release half an hour later announcing the strike.

She urged all parties including Yarra Trams to negotiate in good faith.

Limited bus services will be provided on 13 tram routes and people in he city are being urged to use the trains during the shutdown.

Ms Allan said passengers would not be given free travel tomorrow as compensation for the disruption but said the idea was not off the table for future industrial action.

The strike was given the green light after the Fair Work Commission last night sided against Yarra Trams which had tried to terminate or suspend the disruption.

Buses will replace trams on key routes such as the St Kilda Rd corridor and to key locations such as train stations and hospitals.

“Yarra Trams shares our customers’ frustrations that industrial action will affect their travel plans,’’ the operator said.

“Our first priority is the safety of our passengers, employees and the community and we will ensure that all contingency plans consider the wider community’s safety.”

Commuters were urged to check for updates online.

A simultaneous train and tram strike was called off at the last minute last week — including two free travel days — after Metro, Yarra Trams and the union agreed to continue to negotiate.

But today the RTBU announced plans for fresh industrial action on the train network, threatening to derail Metro’s operations over an entire week.

The RTBU wants an 18 per cent pay rise over three years and some existing conditions retained for staff.

But Yarra Trams’ offer is 15 per cent over four years and it wants to scrap some existing conditions that would allow easier rostering.

Yarra Trams made the application to the industrial umpire late Tuesday afternoon on the grounds it could threaten the safety of the “population” or Australian economy.

The parties are set to return to the negotiating table on Wednesday.

RTBU divisional secretary Phil Altieri said despite countless meetings the parties were a long way off agreement.

“Our members are frustrated by the failure to address concerns and have been left with no option but to take industrial action,” he said.

“We would prefer to avoid industrial action if an agreement can be reached.

“However, if agreement is not reached our members have made it clear they will proceed with the planned industrial action.”

TIPS FOR TOMORROW

• Disruptions could be felt from 9am

• Most trams will be back on the lines by 3pm to their normal service

• Buses and trains will operate as normal

• More than 110 buses will operate on 13 key tram routes on a six to 12-minute frequency

• Buses will replace trams on routes 57, 1, 109, 48, 70, 72, 8, 64 and 12

• Those who use trams on routes 59, 19, 82, 11, 86 and 67 should consider using trains

• Real-time information will be provided via mobile app tramTRACKER and the @yarratrams

• Twitter account and passenger information displays at major tram stops

• Plan ahead and check PTV.vic.gov.au before travelling for latest updates

• Consider cycling if possible

aleks.devic@news.com.au

@AleksDevic