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Nevada probing 6 ‘return to work’ complaints

“These people have families and have been going through a very tough time,” said Geoconda Argüello-Kline, secretary-treasurer for the Culinary Union, which represents about 60,000 workers in Nevada.

She added, “If you really care about the workers you have, you won’t be fighting this.”

Las Vegas resident Ronal Portillo’s daughter Arlette was born in late 2019, and a few months later he was laid off from his job of three years as a buffet cook for Fiesta Rancho, a Station property. His family has been relying on his wife’s income as a house cleaner since the casino hasn’t reopened.

“It’s been tough for me,” Portillo said. “Sometimes we need more money to pay the bills.”

Portillo has submitted an application to work at many different casinos, but he has not had any luck. As Portillo waits for the Fiesta Rancho to return, he has been working with the union to make sure other workers are aware of the return-to-work bill. He will file his own complaint if the Fiesta Rancho opens and does not rehire him.

“I’m hoping that (the casino opens) pretty soon,” Portillo said, “that they can call me back so that I can start working, you know? Because this is stressful, being home all the time, finding a job … and nothing.”

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