Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London is criticizing the tube workers for going on strike, saying that it is a political gesture and that they should only be allowed to strike if over 50% of the membership votes on the ballot. The Mayor has drawn criticism for not living up to his promise to negotiate a non-strike deal with the unions after two year. The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, and the Transport Salaried Staff Association walked out for 24 hours over cuts of 800 jobs and threats to the safety on the job. Unions fought back against the Mayor's comments, pointing out that less than 50% of the population voted in his election, and that the union rules are the same as the ones for politicians. The unions also pointed out that the measures being taken during the strike are in violation of fire safety regulations.
See "Boris Johnson says tube strike is 'nakedly political gesture'", Helene Mulholland, Guardian Unlimited (UK), October 3, 2010