After Aslef, another union is hit by punch-up claims

Another bout of pugilism is alleged to have broken out in the labour movement, this time involving senior officials at the construction union Ucatt. News of a heated exchange of views among building workers' representatives follows the infamous "battle of the barbecue" at the train drivers' union Aslef.

Another bout of pugilism is alleged to have broken out in the labour movement, this time involving senior officials at the construction union Ucatt. News of a heated exchange of views among building workers' representatives follows the infamous "battle of the barbecue" at the train drivers' union Aslef.

The alleged Ucatt punch-up is said to have involved Michael Dooley, the London organiser - who is standing for the leadership of the union - and Pat Long, the union's development officer. In a written statement Mr Long accuses Mr Dooley of punching him during a row over the distribution of election leaflets. Mr Dooley insists there was "no physical contact".

Mr Dooley told Construction News magazine that he still planned to stand in the leadership election and claimed that he was the victim of a campaign to stop him winning. "It seems it could be designed to interfere with the possibility of me winning the election," he said. Mr Dooley has not been suspended over the accusations.