The firm, which has always maintained that it negotiates staff wages on a site-by-site basis, has offered a 1% rise in basic pay plus increases to its performance-related bonus scheme across several sites.
The unions meanwhile, have been asking for a 2.5% increase in basic pay, and strike ballots have been initiated across several Nestlé UK factories.
One source close to the discussions told FoodManufacture.co.uk last month that agreement should be within reach given that there was not a huge gulf between the negotiating positions of the company and staff at most sites.
He added: “This has all become incredibly silly. When it comes down to it, the difference between what Nestlé is offering and what the staff will accept in total cash terms is actually not that enormous.
“I think everyone is hoping that some element of common sense will emerge.”
Nestlé UK was unavailable for comment.