QUINCY, Mass. -- Teachers in Quincy passed another deadline Wednesday, continuing their strike for the fourth day and racking up hefty fines in the process.

NewsCenter 5's Shiba Russell reported that their union, the Quincy Education Association, is now facing a $150,000 fine for its failure to return to the classroom.

A state mediator also imposed a gag order on all the parties involved in the contract talks in order to prevent them from talking to the media.

Another $50,000 fine was imposed at 6 a.m., the time when a Quincy Superior Court judge had ordered them to end their strike and return to the classroom. Instead, they reported to the picket line.

By 11 p.m. Tuesday, the teachers union and city representatives were still trying to hammer out a deal at the Quincy Marriott, with feelings so bitter now that both sides were not negotiating in the same room.

"Wouldn't be surprised if it's a message for teachers in general to think twice before taking such actions," Quincy Mayor William Phelan.

"Teachers are resiliant people, just like our children. We'll find a way to settle the financial deal that we have to grapple with," union spokeswoman Linda Monaco said.

The teachers said they're not budging: no contract, no work.

"We're sticking together and we have to stand up for our rights," a teacher said.

"We teach our kids that there are rules and if you don't follow them there are consequences," another teacher said.

Some students marched with their teachers.

"I'm more concered about the teachers and that they get what they deserve. Teachers deserve better," Zenab Tavakoli.

But some parents are running out of patience. One picketing man said he doesn't buy the union's complaints about rising health care contributions.

"They got a deal, they got a deal, as far as I'm concerned," said one parent who was carrying a sign that read, "I don't have insurance, why should I pay yours? Get back to work now."

The teachers said they're willing to hike their health insurance contributions to 20 percent, double what they've been paying. They said the dispute is about making a living. They claim that Quincy teachers are among the lowest paid on the South Shore. Quincy city officials disagree.

Both sides have been ordered back to the bargaining table Wednesday afternoon.