Nevada Brothel Workers Fight for First-Ever Unionization

Sex workers at Sheri's Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada petition to unionize under the Communications Workers of America.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Sex workers at Sheri's Ranch, one of Nevada's legal brothels, have filed a petition to unionize with the National Labor Relations Board. The workers, who call themselves 'courtesans,' are seeking better contract terms, intellectual property rights, and employee benefits like health insurance. The brothel has resisted the unionization effort, firing three workers who were involved in the drive.

Why it matters

This is the first known effort by sex workers at a legal brothel to unionize in the United States. The outcome could set a precedent for the employment rights of sex workers in Nevada and potentially influence the industry nationwide. The case highlights the complex legal status of sex work and the ongoing debate over whether workers should be classified as independent contractors or employees.

The details

The majority of Sheri's Ranch's 74 sex workers submitted a petition to unionize under the name 'United Brothel Workers,' represented by the Communications Workers of America. The drive was spurred by a new independent contractor agreement that would give the brothel broad rights over the workers' likeness and intellectual property. The workers argue they should be classified as employees rather than independent contractors, as they have set schedules, cannot work from home, and are required to charge a minimum hourly rate with the brothel taking a 50% cut.

  • The workers submitted their unionization petition to the National Labor Relations Board last week.
  • In December 2025, the brothel issued a new independent contractor agreement that sparked the unionization drive.

The players

Sheri's Ranch

A legal brothel located in Pahrump, Nevada, one of the few places in the state where prostitution is legal.

United Brothel Workers

The name under which the Sheri's Ranch sex workers have petitioned to unionize, represented by the Communications Workers of America.

Jupiter Jetson

A sex worker at Sheri's Ranch who goes by a stage name and is involved in the unionization effort.

Molly Wilder

Another Sheri's Ranch sex worker who uses a stage name and is participating in the unionization drive.

Marc Ellis

The state president of the Nevada Communications Workers of America, which is representing the Sheri's Ranch sex workers.

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What they’re saying

“We want the same things that any other worker wants. We want a safe and respectful workplace.”

— Jupiter Jetson, Sex Worker, Sheri's Ranch (The Associated Press)

“This is how you end up the face of a Japanese lubricant company without ever having signed a document. This is how you end up finding yourself on a website offering AI companionship without ever seeing a penny.”

— Jupiter Jetson, Sex Worker, Sheri's Ranch (The Associated Press)

“All workers are guaranteed certain human decencies and dignities, and the right to organize is one of those.”

— Marc Ellis, State President, Nevada Communications Workers of America (The Associated Press)

What’s next

The National Labor Relations Board will review the unionization petition filed by the Sheri's Ranch sex workers. If the board rules in the workers' favor, the brothel will be required to recognize the union and begin contract negotiations.

The takeaway

This landmark unionization effort by sex workers at a legal Nevada brothel highlights the ongoing debate over the employment rights and classification of those in the sex industry. The outcome could set a precedent that influences the working conditions and bargaining power of sex workers nationwide.