Rail union bosses faced backlash as they enjoyed a glitzy Christmas bash while inflicting misery on passengers with crippling industrial action. The event took place at the four-star Earl of Doncaster Hotel, where more than 100 members and Labour MPs gathered in a ballroom to celebrate. The timing of the party angered millions of people whose own Christmas plans were disrupted by strikes.

Christmas Celebrations Amid Strikes

Labour MP Kate Osborne shared her delight at celebrating with "comrades" at the festive event. She posted a video on social media, showing her receiving a gift from Aslef's Mick Whelan and pulling crackers. The video was posted on the same day that an overtime ban caused disruptions to rail services. Ms. Osborne expressed solidarity to all those taking strike action while enjoying the Christmas party.

Union Funding and Strikes

Labour receives funding from Aslef as its affiliate, which has caused further controversy regarding the timing of the Christmas celebration. The party took place on the same day that the union began a week of strikes and overtime bans, resulting in the cancellation of Christmas parties across the country. Aslef's overtime ban is set to continue until Saturday, and drivers are staging one-day walkouts until Friday.

Outrage and Reduced Services

The Christmas event, held at a cost of £4,000, received criticism from Transport Secretary Mark Harper and Tory MP Greg Smith. Harper accused Aslef bosses of causing disruption to working people while enjoying lavish parties with Labour MPs. Smith described the situation as militant bosses "laughing in our faces at swanky dinners." Meanwhile, passengers faced reduced or no services and crowded carriages as a result of the strikes.

Union Denies Party Claims

Aslef denied that the event should be called a party, stating that there was no music, disco, karaoke, or dancing. The union clarified that it was an annual lunch held to commemorate those who were lost in the past year and look ahead to their goals for the upcoming year.