Nevada Brothel Workers Make History with Unionization Push
In a groundbreaking move, sex workers at Sheri’s Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada, are petitioning to become the first unionized sex workers in the United States. The effort, spearheaded by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), comes after the brothel introduced a new contract that would grant it perpetual control over workers’ intellectual property rights and power of attorney.
The Fight for Employee Status
Currently, the 74 sex workers, known as courtesans, are classified as independent contractors. This classification limits their bargaining rights and access to standard employee benefits. The unionization drive aims to establish them as employees, granting them the right to collective bargaining, fairer wages, and crucial protections.
“We aim for the same things that any other worker wants. We want a safe and respectful workplace,” stated Jupiter Jetson, a worker at Sheri’s Ranch who uses a pseudonym for privacy reasons. This sentiment underscores the core motivation behind the unionization effort: basic workplace rights and dignity.
Intellectual Property Concerns Spark Action
The catalyst for the unionization push was a new independent contractor agreement issued in December 2025. This agreement would allow Sheri’s Ranch to use the workers’ likenesses without permission, even after they cease working at the brothel. Jetson explained the potential ramifications, stating, “What we have is how you end up the face of a Japanese lubricant company without ever having signed a document…or finding yourself on a website offering AI companionship without ever seeing a penny.”
Beyond IP: Control and Compensation
The concerns extend beyond intellectual property. Workers likewise cite fixed schedules, the inability to work remotely, and a requirement to charge clients a minimum of $1,000 per hour – with the brothel retaining half – as evidence that they are treated as employees, not independent contractors. Molly Wylder, another worker at Sheri’s Ranch, highlighted the desire for greater control over their careers, stating that sex work is a temporary means to an end for her, specifically to pay off student loans.
A Global Trend?
While this is the first attempt to unionize a brothel in the U.S., organizations representing sex workers’ rights exist in other countries where prostitution is legal or decriminalized, including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Switzerland. This suggests a growing global movement towards recognizing the labor rights of sex workers.
What’s Next for the United Brothel Workers?
The workers have submitted a petition to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to be recognized as a union, under the name United Brothel Workers. The next step involves proving to federal labor authorities that they are employees rather than independent contractors. If successful, a vote will be held to formally join the union and begin negotiating a new contract with Sheri’s Ranch.
Sheri’s Ranch maintains that the workers are not eligible for collective bargaining, asserting that they operate as independent businesses in association with the resort. However, the workers and the CWA are prepared to challenge this assertion.
FAQ
Q: Is prostitution legal in Nevada?
A: Yes, prostitution is legal in 10 of Nevada’s rural counties, but not in Clark County, where Las Vegas is located.
Q: What is the main issue driving the unionization effort?
A: The primary concern is a new contract that would give the brothel control over workers’ intellectual property and likenesses without their consent or compensation.
Q: How many workers are involved in the unionization drive?
A: A majority of the 74 sex workers at Sheri’s Ranch have agreed to join the union.
Q: What are the workers hoping to achieve through unionization?
A: They seek employee status, better wages, health insurance, and protection of their intellectual property rights.
Did you know? Nevada is the only state in the United States where prostitution is legal.
Pro Tip: Understanding the difference between an employee and an independent contractor is crucial for workers seeking to assert their rights.
Want to learn more about labor rights and unionization? Explore resources from the Communications Workers of America.
