CHARLESTON, W.Va. —Thousands of striking schoolteachers who have shut down West Virginia classrooms for days are demanding a face-to-face meeting with the governor and legislative leaders on their pay grievances, a union official said Monday.

Teachers rallied Monday outside the state Capitol amid pledges to continue the walkout that began Thursday, unless their complaints are heard.

The state of West Virginia’s average teacher pay ranks 48th in the nation.

The striking teachers are balking at planned increases they say are too stingy.