SIXTEEN members of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa have been suspended by Columbus Stainless steel company in Middelburg for alleged infringements during the recent wage month-long strike there. Company spokesman Laing Geldenhuys said in a statement on Thursday that charges against the Numsa members include intimidation, carrying of weapons, and unauthorised use of company property. All 16 have been suspended on full pay since the middle of August. This follows a wage strike by 500 Numsa workers demanding a wage increase of 9%, which began on July 12 and ended on August 11.