KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Sugar Producers Federation (SPF) and the three unions representing sugar workers failed to reach an agreement again Monday night, at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

OBSERVER ONLINE understands that despite further movements in the offers from the employers who are jointly represented by the SPF, the parties failed to agree, as the unions — the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU), the National Workers Union (NWU) and the University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU) — have refused to concede.

However, the failure to agree seems to be more influenced by the unions’ fear that they would be unable to sell the current package to their members, if they tried to do so, than a general denial of the offers.

The result is that the unions have agreed to take on a series of consultations with their members at each of the factories, to get a response from them which will be reported back to the employers at the next meeting, set for March 31 at the Ministry.

The dates for these consultations are — Wednesday, March 19, at Frome, Westmoreland; Thursday, March 20, at Appleton, St. Elizabeth; Friday, March 21, at Monymusk and New Yarmouth, Clarendon; Monday, March 24 at Everglades Farm, Clark’s Town, Trelawny; Tuesday, March 25, at Worthy Park, St Catherine; Wednesday, March 26, at Bernard Lodge, St Catherine; and, Thursday, March 27, at Golden Grove, St Thomas.