Germany's GDL train drivers' union has agreed to postpone strikes planned for Monday despite failing to seal a final wage accord with rail operator Deutsche Bahn, Transport Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee said.

Tiefensee had earlier hosted officials from both sides at his ministry in Berlin and he told reporters progress had been made on key issues. Talks would continue in coming days, he added.

The GDL, which has held a series of crippling freight and passenger strikes since July, had last month threatened to strike again from Jan. 7 unless the two sides made progress.

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