Zagreb - Tens of thousands of Croatian teachers embarked on a strike Wednesday after Prime Minister Ivo Sanader's government turned down their demand for a pay increase.

Unions grouping school and university teachers want the government to reverse a 6-per-cent pay reduction introduced in April because of the recession.

In marathon negotiations which adjourned in the early hours Wednesday, the authorities had offered to return salaries to pre- recession levels after the nation's economy grows by at least 2 per cent over two consecutive quarters.

Public servants in health, culture and welfare sectors are expected to join the teachers' stoppage on Thursday, barring a compromise with the government. (dpa)