A German labour court has moved swiftly to ban a nationwide four-hour planned work stoppage tomorrow by German railway''s engine drivers on freight service amidst concerns that the strike could disrupt passenger services at the height of the holiday season.

The strike could have been the first nationwide railway strike in Germany since 1992.

The GDL union, which represents drivers of the government owned German railways, Deutsche Bahn that carries over five million passengers a day, said it would appeal against the injunction but would not resort to illegal action.

The court in Nuremberg said it had taken cognizance of the possible economic consequences of the planned work stoppage in deciding to grant Deutsche Bahn''s request to restrain the unions.

The strike action could have cast a shadow on the government''s move to partly privatise Deutsche Bahn through a 25-per cent divestment next year. Deutsche Bahn unions have been concerned at the proposed privatization approved last month.

They have also asked for a 31-per cent pay rise for its members.