Friday, February 06, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Center to offer help ex-Castaways workers

A one-stop re-employment assistance center has been set up at Nevada Partners, home of the Culinary Training Academy, to help former Castaways workers.

The center, at 710 W. Lake Mead Blvd. in North Las Vegas, was established by Culinary Local 226, the Nevada Department of Employment Training and Rehabilitation and other area agencies in response to the closing of the Castaways on Jan. 29.

Beginning Tuesday and operating through next Friday, the center will offer assistance to the Castaways 800 former union and nonunion Castaway workers during a group orientation that will handle 50 former workers at a time.

Culinary spokesman Kevin Kline said workers will get assistance even if they do not show up on the first day.

Workers' needs will be assessed and they will be referred to on-site agencies that will be able to help them with job searching, training and placement. The center will also offer help applying for emergency economic funds, utility payment assistance and unemployment insurance.

Laid-off workers should bring their picture identifications, Social Security cards, their last pay stubs, and layoff notification letters if possible.

Workers should expect the assistance to take 2 1/2 to three hours. Sessions are scheduled for 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Kline said laid-off workers should try to arrive at least 15 minutes before the hour since the center will only be able to take 50 individuals at a time.

After the first 50 workers, people will be asked to wait until the next hour's orientation.

For added information, former Castaways workers should call the Castaways employment assistance hot line at 657-3335.

Workers laid off from Binion's Horseshoe who still have questions can call the Binion's employment assistance hot line at 637-3334.