Blacks Halt S. African Strike

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — The black metal workers union abruptly halted a strike today by an estimated 60,000 members just hours after it began and accused the government of abusing its powers in declaring the walkout illegal.

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa said it would challenge the government action in court. Meanwhile, it said, “in a continued demonstration of its bona fides, (the union) is calling upon its members to return to work.” The union said more than 60,000 of its claimed membership of 80,000 had joined the strike that began at 7 a.m. at 500 factories nationwide.