Sex Workers at Nevada Brothel Fight for First Unionization

Courtesans at Sheri's Ranch seek to become the nation's first unionized sex workers

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Sex workers at one of Nevada's oldest legal brothels, Sheri's Ranch in Pahrump, are fighting to become the first in the nation to unionize. The majority of the brothel's 74 sex workers, who call themselves "courtesans," have submitted a petition to the National Labor Relations Board to unionize under the name "United Brothel Workers," represented by the Communications Workers of America. The workers say they want a "safe and respectful workplace" and are concerned about a new contract that would give the brothel control over their intellectual property and image rights.

Why it matters

Prostitution is legal in licensed brothels in 10 of Nevada's rural counties, making this a significant case for the rights of sex workers. The success of the unionization effort could set a precedent for other sex workers seeking more protections and benefits. This also highlights the ongoing debate over the employment status of sex workers as independent contractors versus employees.

The details

The courtesans at Sheri's Ranch were given a new contract in December that would give the brothel "irrevocable, worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free, non-exclusive license" to distribute the women's material and use their likeness without permission, even if they no longer work there. The workers say this would make it harder for them to leave the industry and pursue other opportunities. When they raised concerns, they were told to sign or leave. Some signed under duress, while others, including the worker who goes by "Jupiter Jetson," were allegedly fired after the brothel learned of the unionization effort.

  • The workers submitted a petition to unionize with the National Labor Relations Board last week.
  • The new independent contractor agreement was issued in December 2025.

The players

Sheri's Ranch

A legal brothel in Pahrump, Nevada, one of the state's oldest.

Jupiter Jetson

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

Molly Wylder

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

Communications Workers of America

The union representing the sex workers in their effort to unionize.

Jeremy Lemur

The marketing and communications director for Sheri's Ranch.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 (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 (Associated Press)

“It was never my plan to stay forever.”

— Molly Wylder, Sex worker (Associated Press)

“In our dream scenario, we would like to be recognized as employees because we would like the full rights and bargaining power that employees have.”

— Jupiter Jetson, Sex worker (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 (Associated Press)

What’s next

The process of unionization could go back and forth for weeks, but the brothel could choose to recognize the Communications Workers of America as the sex workers' representatives and begin negotiating a new contract immediately, according to union attorneys.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the employment status and rights of sex workers, who are often classified as independent contractors rather than employees. The success of the unionization effort at Sheri's Ranch could set a significant precedent for sex workers seeking more protections, benefits, and bargaining power in the industry.