HONOLULU -- Although talks broke off between Ameron Hawaii officials and the Teamsters Union Tuesday night without a contract settlement, the two sides agreed to go back to the bargaining table Thursday.

Both parties met with the federal mediator Tuesday night. He brought suggestions primarily in regards to medical co-payment, which has been the main sticking point of the strike with Ameron and Hawaiian Cement workers.

"We need to take the mediators suggestion and digest them and put some thought to them. It's positive that we have another meeting on Thursday," Ameron Hawaii vice president George West said.

"We're still solidified, unified. It's an indication that we're still strong on the picket lines and we want to send a strong message to Ameron and Hawaiian Cement that we're not in agreement to any co-payments at Ameron and any co-payments at Hawaiian Cement," Teamsters leader Mel Kahele said.

Tuesday night's talks were the first since the strike started on Feb. 7.