Teachers last night disregarded Government's first offer of a new pay increase - labelling it "ridiculous" when they met with their union to discuss it.

General Secretary of the Bermuda Union of Teachers (BUT) Michael Charles said some of the teachers at the meeting last night laughed at the pay offer, which he said was totally different to the pay package they were looking for.

He said: "The teachers laughed when they heard what the offer was. They did not think Government was serious.

"Obviously, the teachers did not accept it, so we will continue to negotiate. But I didn't expect the teachers to accept what Government was offering. It was too ridiculous - it was far too low."

Mr. Charles would not disclose what the offer was, but said the teachers were looking at different pay options altogether to the Ministry of Education. He said he would be going back to the Ministry today to continue the talks.

However, he said for the150 plus teachers at the BUT meeting last night, the pay offer had been disheartening.

"To think that you get all of these accolades and are told how important you are, but when it's time for them to show what you are worth, you get that kind of reaction," added Mr. Charles.

"They (Government) say one thing and demonstrate another. In that sense, it is disheartening.

"But, this is usual. As much as we say we don't want to play games, what they come to the table with at first is always unrealistic. They never do anything unless they are forced to."