Sex Workers at Nevada Brothel Fight to Unionize

Sheri's Ranch employees seek to become first sex workers in U.S. to form a union.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Sex workers at Sheri's Ranch, one of Nevada's oldest legal brothels, have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize under the name United Brothel Workers, represented by the Communications Workers of America. The workers are seeking better protections, including over their intellectual property rights and a fairer wage structure, after being presented with a new independent contractor agreement that would give the brothel broad control over the workers' likenesses.

Why it matters

This effort by sex workers in Nevada to unionize is significant, as prostitution is only legal in a handful of countries worldwide and organizing efforts by sex workers have historically been rare due to the stigma surrounding the industry. The success or failure of this unionization drive could set an important precedent for the employment rights of sex workers in the United States.

The details

The majority of Sheri's Ranch's 74 sex workers, who refer to themselves as "courtesans," submitted a petition to unionize last week. They are seeking better protections, including over their intellectual property rights, as well as a fairer wage structure. The workers were recently presented with a new independent contractor agreement that would give the brothel broad control over the use of the workers' likenesses, even after they no longer work there. Some workers signed the agreement under duress, while others were fired after the unionization effort became known to management.

  • The workers submitted their petition to unionize with 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

United Brothel Workers

The union representing the sex workers at Sheri's Ranch, formed with the support of the Communications Workers of America.

Sheri's Ranch

One of Nevada's oldest legal brothels, located in Pahrump, Nevada, where the sex workers are seeking to unionize.

Jupiter Jetson

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

Molly Wylder

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

Marc Ellis

The state president of the Nevada Communications Workers of America, which is representing the sex workers in their unionization effort.

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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 (CBS News)

“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 (CBS News)

“It was never my plan to stay forever.”

— Molly Wylder, Sex Worker, Sheri's Ranch (CBS News)

What’s next

The unionization process 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 in Nevada to unionize is a significant step in advocating for the employment rights of those in the sex industry, which has historically been a taboo and stigmatized topic. The outcome of this drive could set an important precedent for sex workers' ability to organize and negotiate for better working conditions.