A BBC Question Time audience member warned striking rail workers "look what happened to the dinosaurs" in a hilarious exchange with a union boss.
Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union general secretary Mick Lynch was engaged in a heated debate with the woman during last night's show.
She suggested rail staff could go the same way as the dinosaurs after host Fiona Bruce asked her if she thought the RMT was taking the right approach by striking this week.
It prompted a witty response from Mr Lynch, who quipped that dinosaurs ruled the earth for around 130 million years, sparking laughter among the audience.
The spat took place after the Question Time panel discussed the need for businesses to "adapt" in the aftermath of the pandemic.
When the audience member was asked if she thought the RMT strike was wrong, she said: "Yes. Look what happened to the dinosaurs."
Mr Lynch replied: "Well they were around for a very long time, 130 million years."
The woman shot back: "They're not with us now though are they?"
Mr Lynch went on to explain how railway workers are constantly adapting to technological changes.
RMT members at Network Rail and 13 train operators have held two strikes already this week and will walk out again tomorrow.
The industrial action is being taken to secure better pay and job security.
An RMT spokesman previously said: "Network Rail and the train operating companies have subjected their staff to multiyear pay freezes and plan to cut thousands of jobs which will make the railways unsafe."
Mr Lynch added: "Railway workers have been treated appallingly and despite our best efforts in negotiations, the rail industry with the support of the government has failed to take their concerns seriously.
"We have a cost-of-living crisis, and it is unacceptable for railway workers to either lose their jobs or face another year of a pay freeze when inflation is at 11.1pc and rising.
"Our union will now embark on a sustained campaign of industrial action which will shut down the railway system.
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"Rail companies are making at least £500m a year in profits, whilst fat cat rail bosses have been paid millions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"This unfairness is fuelling our members anger and their determination to win a fair settlement.
"RMT is open to meaningful negotiations with rail bosses and ministers, but they will need to come up with new proposals to prevent months of disruption on our railways."
Mr Lynch became an internet sensation this week after a series of interviews he featured in went viral thanks to his no-nonsense answers.
