Rail union bosses faced backlash after hosting a festive celebration while causing chaos with industrial action. Aslef chief Mick Whelan and over 100 members, including Labour MPs, gathered at the Earl of Doncaster Hotel to mark the holiday season. The event sparked anger among millions of passengers whose travel plans were disrupted by the strikes.
Union Party Amidst Strikes
Labour MP Kate Osborne shared a video of herself pulling Christmas crackers during the event. She expressed her support for the strike action alongside the festive-themed clip. Aslef, which provides funding to the Labour party, organized the gathering at the same time it initiated a series of strikes and overtime bans, leading to the cancellation of Christmas parties across the country.
Passenger Disruption
As the strikes continued, passengers faced reduced or no services and crowded train carriages. The union's overtime ban is in effect until Saturday, while drivers are carrying out one-day walkouts until Friday. Travelers expressed frustration over the situation.
Glamorous Celebration
The festive party took place at the Doncaster hotel, which cost £4,000 to hire. Aslef chief Mick Whelan delivered a speech at the event, which was attended by Labour MPs Ian Lavery, Grahame Morris, and Ian Mearns. Transport Secretary Mark Harper criticized the union for holding lavish parties while causing disruption and targeting working people.
Backlash and Calls for Action
Conservative MP Greg Smith accused the union bosses of mocking the situation at extravagant dinners. The British Beer and Pub Association's Emma McClarkin highlighted the financial impact of the strikes on the sector and called on Aslef to end the disruptive actions.
Aslef defended the event, stating it was an annual lunch to commemorate those who passed away in the previous year and to look towards future goals. The union denied that it could be classified as a party, with no music, disco, karaoke, or dancing involved.
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