School teachers in Budapest say they will continue protesting until the Hungarian government sits down to negotiate following their demands for better salaries and working conditions.

This week thousands of educators, parents and students shut down some of the main streets and bridges in the Hungarian capital, asking the government to hear their demands. Instead of being offered an open dialogue, they say they've received more threats.

No olive branch has been offered to teachers by the Hungarian government, and they say they will shut down Margaret bridge once again if the stalemate continues.

Wednesday's protest drew thousands to the steps of the Hungarian Parliament and some of the city's main streets and bridges. Since the beginning of the school year, teachers have called for better wages - top earners currently make about $1,100 a month.

Hungary's Teachers Union says educators are quitting their jobs, leading to crowded classrooms. Earlier on Friday, students, parents, and teachers occupied one of the district offices of the Department of Education after two dozen teachers received letters from the department saying they would be punished and even fired for participating in Wednesday's demonstration.

"Firing them is illegal because there is no law against engaging in civil disobedience," said Mariann Czédly, chairperson of the Hungarian Teacher's Union (PDZ). "The government is punishing some teachers by suspending one month's salary. Others are being threatened with losing their jobs for protesting for a few hours."

Earlier this year, Hungary's government agreed to a raise for teachers, but there's one catch: only headteachers and special education teachers will get the salary bump if the country's economy performs well.

Hungary is facing record inflation and its currency, the forint, is at its lowest level in recent years against the U.S. dollar. The government also says it can't increase salaries until the European Union releases recovery funds.

Teachers say they will continue with civil disobedience tactics and other protests in the city until they are given a seat at the table with the Hungarian government.