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Members of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) at Scaw Metals in Germiston are on strike. This is because one of the company owners at the firm allegedly physically assaulted one of our members on Friday.

Rami Barnes is a shareholder at Scaw metals. It is alleged that Rami Barnes assaulted one of our members, because he became angry that he was using his cell phone whilst on duty.
 
This is not the first time that Barnes has abused workers. In June this year he allegedly physically assaulted a female worker. We demanded his removal, and our demands were ignored. Now he has assaulted another worker, and this has provoked our members into going on strike.
 
We condemn Scaw Metals, and in particular, Rami Barnes for this brutal behaviour. This man has a history of violence against workers and the management and the board at Scaw Metals are refusing to deal with this issue decisively.
NUMSA is demanding that he must be suspended immediately pending an independent investigation into these, and other incidents. We know of several other incidents where he is alleged to have been involved, and we demand an investigation into these as well. Furthermore, a criminal case has been opened with the South African Police Services (SAPS) in Elsburg, Germiston.
 
We are also meeting with management in an attempt to deal with this issue and resolve the strike.
Aluta continua!
The struggle continues!
Issued by Irvin Jim
NUMSA General Secretary