A meeting between the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) and officials from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security ended yesterday with the teachers vowing to continue their strike action today.

Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles told reporters after the meeting that while the Government was dedicated to paying the teachers all monies owed, it was not able to fully honour its commitments at this time.

"We hope that the teachers will consider the situation because of the inability of the country's budget to finance what is being requested at this time," he said.

Charles added that the ministry would be taking action based on the teachers' response today.

He, however, did not indicate what action would be taken, but stressed that the Government would stay within the law.

JTA President Michael Stewart said that the executive was displeased with the results of the discussion and would decide on its next move in a meeting to be held this Friday.

Stewart said that nothing new was laid on the table during the meeting, so the teachers would continue their industrial action today and return to work-to-rule tomorrow.

Last month, the JTA angrily rejected an initial payment proposal presented by Prime Minister Bruce Golding, which resulted in the association declaring it would take protest action this week.