Pahrump, Nevada – In a first for the United States, sex workers at Sheri’s Ranch brothel are making a push to unionize, seeking improved working conditions and a greater voice in their profession. The effort, announced Thursday, February 12, 2026, could reshape the landscape of the legal sex function industry in Nevada, the only state where it is permitted.
The majority of the 74 sex workers at the brothel submitted a petition to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) last week, forming a union called United Brothel Workers, and are being represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA). This historic move aims to provide the workers with the same protections and benefits afforded to employees in other industries.
“We seek the same things that any other worker wants. We want a safe and respectful workplace,” said Jupiter Jetson, a worker at Sheri’s Ranch who uses a stage name and requested her legal name not be used for fear of harassment, according to reporting from the Associated Press. The unionization effort was reportedly spurred by a novel independent contractor agreement issued in December that would grant the brothel the right to employ the workers’ likenesses without their permission, even after they leave their employment.
Jupiter Jetson, a sex worker, wears a Communications Workers of America badge at Sheri’s Ranch in Pahrump, Nev. On Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)
A Unique Legal Landscape
Nevada’s legal prostitution framework is limited to 10 of its 17 counties, primarily rural areas. Notably, Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, does not permit legal brothels. Sheri’s Ranch, located approximately an hour’s drive from Las Vegas, is considered one of the state’s oldest and most well-known brothels. The legal status of sex work in Nevada creates a unique context for this unionization effort, as workers are seeking to establish rights within a regulated, but still often stigmatized, industry.
The push for unionization comes as sex workers increasingly advocate for better working conditions, safety measures, and control over their own images and likenesses. The new contractor agreement, which prompted the union drive, raised concerns about the potential for exploitation and unauthorized use of their identities. Jetson explained that the agreement could allow the brothel to use a worker’s image in advertising, even for products or services they haven’t endorsed, or on websites offering “AI companionship” without any compensation. KNPR News reported on these concerns.
What’s at Stake for Workers?
The United Brothel Workers union hopes to negotiate a contract with Sheri’s Ranch that addresses issues such as safety protocols, fair compensation, control over personal branding, and protection against unauthorized use of their images. The workers are likewise seeking a more respectful and dignified work environment. The CWA, which is representing the workers, has a long history of advocating for workers’ rights in various industries, including telecommunications and healthcare.
Molly Wylder, another worker at Sheri’s Ranch, posed for a photo in front of the brothel on Thursday, February 12, 2026, displaying her support for the unionization effort. The workers’ decision to publicly advocate for their rights is a significant step in challenging the stigma associated with sex work and asserting their agency within the industry.
Molly Wylder, a sex worker, poses for a photo in front of Sheri’s Ranch in Pahrump, Nev. On Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)
The Road Ahead
The NLRB will now review the petition submitted by the United Brothel Workers union to determine if an election will be held. If the NLRB certifies the union, workers will then vote on whether to formally recognize it as their bargaining representative. Sheri’s Ranch has not yet publicly commented on the unionization effort. The outcome of this process could have far-reaching implications for the legal sex work industry in Nevada and potentially inspire similar efforts in other states where prostitution is regulated.
This developing story is being closely watched by labor advocates and legal experts, who witness it as a potential turning point in the fight for workers’ rights in a traditionally marginalized industry.
The next step in the process is the NLRB’s decision on whether to hold an election, which is expected in the coming weeks. Updates on the case will be available on the NLRB website.
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