Today's school students are far better informed than they were in the past. It was therefore rather disappointing to see the negative approach expressed in the letter from Harry Ford, Strike not happy for us' (Times Series, April 24). Strikes are not good for anyone. Those taking strike action have to sacrifice their pay and often face public abuse.

Teachers routinely put up with difficult situations and appalling pay.

But, whatever happens, they have to feed themselves and their families and pay off mortgages, despite the pressures they face.

Furthermore, whatever Mr Ford thinks about the strike, he must surely realise that making things tough for teachers is not in the interest of students, especially if their numbers are reduced.

Just like teachers, Tube workers face an equally difficult situation.

The reason for their action is poor management of the system, and staff cuts make the trains unsafe.

Strikes are inconvenient for the travelling public, but so are unsafe trains and platforms.

It would be far more positive if travellers appreciated action taken on their behalf by making donations to strike funds, to partially make up for loss of pay.

Ron Isaacs Sebright Road, Barnet