Nevada Brothel Workers Fight for First-Ever Unionization

Sex workers at Sheri's Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada, petition to unionize amid concerns over new contract terms.

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," allege that a new independent contractor agreement issued in December would give the brothel control over their intellectual property and likeness without permission, even after they stop working there. The workers are seeking better protections, wages, and benefits through unionization.

Why it matters

This effort represents the first attempt to unionize sex workers at a legal brothel in the United States. If successful, it could set a precedent for sex workers in Nevada and beyond to organize and advocate for improved workplace conditions and rights. The outcome of this case will also shed light on the legal status of sex workers as independent contractors versus employees.

The details

The majority of Sheri's Ranch's 74 sex workers have submitted a petition to unionize under the name "United Brothel Workers," represented by the Communications Workers of America. The workers allege that the new contract terms would make it harder for them to leave the industry and pursue other opportunities. They also want to negotiate over their dress code, wages, and benefits like health insurance, which they are not currently provided.

  • The workers submitted their unionization petition to the National Labor Relations Board last week.
  • Sheri's Ranch issued the new independent contractor agreement in December 2025.

The players

Jupiter Jetson

A sex worker at Sheri's Ranch who uses a stage name and requested her legal name not be used due to fear of harassment.

Molly Wilder

Another sex worker at Sheri's Ranch who uses a stage name and requested her legal name not be used.

Sheri's Ranch

A legal brothel in Pahrump, Nevada, that is the focus of the unionization effort.

Communications Workers of America

The labor union representing the Sheri's Ranch sex workers in their unionization drive.

Marc Ellis

The state president of the Nevada Communications Workers of America.

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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 at Sheri's Ranch (mymotherlode.com)

“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 at Sheri's Ranch (mymotherlode.com)

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

— Marc Ellis, State president of the Nevada Communications Workers of America (mymotherlode.com)

What’s next

The process of unionization could take weeks, but Sheri's Ranch could choose to recognize the Communications Workers of America as the sex workers' representatives and begin negotiating a new contract immediately.

The takeaway

This effort by sex workers at a Nevada brothel to unionize represents a significant milestone in the fight for labor rights and protections in the sex industry. If successful, it could inspire similar organizing efforts at other legal brothels and shine a light on the complex employment status of sex workers.