Union hosts festive bash after derailing commuters

Merry Christmas to the rail unions – they strike quicker than Harry Kane. On Friday, the Aslef union began a week of industrial action and reduced service, ruining Christmas parties across the nation. But like the good trade unionists that they are, Aslef boss Mick Whelan made sure that his own union’s party plans were unaffected by the service, hosting a 100-strong, full-trimmings bash at the four-star Earl of Doncaster hotel. So much for solidarity….

Whelan was featured in the Sun this morning, sharing a festive cracker with Labour MP Kate Osborne who on social media later praised her union ‘comrades’ and celebrating the ‘womderfully [sic] Christmas venue.’ Good night was it, Kate? In a sniffy comment the union claimed its shindig could not be considered a party on the grounds that ‘there was no music, no disco, no karaoke, and no dancing.’ With lines like that, maybe they ought to get a job in the Downing Street press office?

The public on the other hand may be a little less, er, enthusiastic about the timing of the bash.