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The transport secretary has condemned a series of planned strikes on the London Underground due to start in less than two weeks.
The Rail Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) have voted to strike later this month and in June, over the "unfair" sacking of two colleagues.
Philip Hammond told MPs the strikes were "highly irresponsible" and warned the unions that irresponsible strike action would only lead to tougher industrial relations laws.
During departmental questions, Tory Greg Hands called on Hammond to join him in condemning the proposed tube strikes by the RMT over "only two individual employees as both obscene and irresponsible."
The Chelsea and Fulham MP added: "And also Labour's candidate for London mayor who has singularly failed to condemn the action, and indeed his deputy who even appears at RMT protest meetings?"
Responding, the transport secretary said he absolutely agreed and the series of strikes is "highly irresponsible".
He told MPs: "No one in this government is spoiling for a fight with the unions but the unions appear to be spoiling for a fight with London.
"I say to the RMT and other unions that this kind of irresponsible strike action, where an alternative, proper remedy - there's an employment tribunal ongoing - is available, this is only strengthening the hand of those including the mayor who are calling for tougher industrial relations laws."
Later during questions on future parliamentary business, Bob Blackman (Con, Harrow East) called for a statement on actions to minimise disruptions caused by the planned tube strike.
He said that strikes should be outlawed in some cases, including for the emergency services.
Commons leader Sir George Young said the government is "not seeking to pick a fight with the trade unions", with no plans to introduce new legislation on employment laws.
He added: "I very much hope trade unions will not resort to strike action until every other opportunity has been examined.
"In this particular case, I am not convinced they have done this."
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