TEACHERS hinted yesterday that there could be disruptions in the classroom next week, as they seek to put more pressure on Government to pay outstanding retroactive salaries.

Government owes the teachers more than $8 billion -- $2 billion of which is due for payment next month -- under a 2006 wage agreement made with that sector.

The teachers, who are represented by the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA), earlier this week rejected a Government payment schedule for the outstanding money, but declined to say what was the offer placed on the table.

JTA President Michael Stewart told the Observer yesterday that a decision is expected to be taken at a special executive meeting today on further industrial action to be taken. The teachers have already withdrawn from extra-curricular activities.

He could not say if a strike was among the likely action to be taken, in light of calls from JTA members in Clarendon for a three-day withdrawal from the classroom next week.

"I can't speak conclusively to that until after a decision has been taken at the meeting. What I can say is that the feedback we are getting from across the island is that the teachers are in a militant mood... and so there will be some disruption," he said.