UPDATE 1-German train union optimistic strike can be avoided

(updates after day of talks)

By Hans Busemann

BERLIN, March 8 (Reuters) - Train drivers' union GDL said on Saturday it was optimistic a strike planned from Monday could be avoided after talks with German rail operator Deutsche Bahn.

Talks with Deutsche Bahn would continue on Sunday, GDL head Manfred Schell told Reuters, adding: "If it continues like this, we will get through."

GDL had threatened strikes on the railways from Monday, escalating a months-long wage dispute with Deutsche Bahn.

In January, Deutsche Bahn and GDL ended months of tortuous wage negotiations and disruptive strikes with a deal that gave the union's 34,000 drivers an 8 percent pay increase from March and another 3 percent rise from September.

But they are still haggling over a so-called basic wage contract, which would set out how wage deals Deutsche Bahn had agreed with other unions fitted in with the GDL accord.

Deutsche Bahn personnel chief Margret Suckale said on Friday the operator wanted to make an offer focusing on how the different rail trade unions would work together in the future.

"We want to use the weekend for a last attempt ... to avoid this senseless strike," Suckale told reporters.