Sex workers at Nevada brothel fight to unionize

Courtesans at Sheri's Ranch seek to become the first unionized sex workers in the U.S.

Published on Feb. 15, 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 workplace protections and rights, including control over their intellectual property and a fairer wage contract. The unionization effort is believed to be the first of its kind in the U.S. sex work industry.

Why it matters

The push to unionize at Sheri's Ranch highlights the ongoing debate over the employment status and rights of sex workers, an industry that remains largely taboo and unregulated worldwide. A successful unionization could set a precedent for sex workers to organize and advocate for better working conditions, even in places where prostitution is legal.

The details

The sex workers at Sheri's Ranch say they were given a new contract in December that would give the brothel control over their intellectual property and power of attorney. They argue this would make it harder for them to leave the industry and pursue other opportunities. When the workers raised concerns, they were told to sign or leave. Some signed under duress, according to the workers. Three workers, including one who helped organize the unionization effort, say they were fired after the brothel learned about the unionization drive.

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

The players

Sheri's Ranch

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

United Brothel Workers

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

Jupiter Jetson

A sex worker at Sheri's Ranch who helped organize the unionization effort and was subsequently fired, according to the union.

Molly Wylder

A sex worker at Sheri's Ranch who views her work as temporary to help pay off student loans, and is concerned about the brothel's new contract terms.

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 at Sheri's Ranch (dnyuz.com)

“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 (dnyuz.com)

“It was never my plan to stay forever.”

— Molly Wylder, Sex worker at Sheri's Ranch (dnyuz.com)

What’s next

The unionization process could take 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

The push to unionize at Sheri's Ranch highlights the ongoing debate over the employment status and rights of sex workers, an industry that remains largely taboo and unregulated. A successful unionization could set a precedent for sex workers to organize and advocate for better working conditions, even in places where prostitution is legal.