Unionization Efforts at Nevada Brothel
PAHRUMP, Nev. — Nevada stands out as the only state in the U.S. where buying sex is legal, and workers at one of the longest-running brothels are now pushing to create the nation’s first union.
“We desire the same things as any other worker: a safe and respectful workplace,” shared a worker from Shelley’s Ranch, who goes by the name Jupiter Jetson. They preferred to keep their real name private to avoid potential backlash.
Prostitution is permitted in licensed brothels across ten rural counties in Nevada, although this doesn’t extend to Clark County, home of Las Vegas. However, Shelley’s Ranch is situated about an hour’s drive from the city.
Recently, a majority of the 74 sex workers there filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board, intending to form the United Brothel Workers union, with support from the Communications Workers of America.
The impetus for this movement was a new agreement that took effect in December, allowing brothels to utilize women’s likenesses without their consent, even when they’re not actively working there. Jetson remarked, “Suddenly, you become the face of a product without even signing anything. And if it’s a company involving AI, you may never see a dime.”
Sex work and the rights of those engaged in it remain controversial around the world. While only a few countries, like Germany, legalize prostitution, efforts to organize these workers differ widely. In Spain, for instance, the government sanctioned the unionization of sex workers in 2018, but a court quickly ruled it illegal, citing potential exploitation.
“Every worker is entitled to dignity and the right to organize,” emphasized Mark Ellis, the state president of the Nevada Communications Workers of America Union.
Sheri’s Ranch recognizes its workers’ right to share their views concerning workplace structure, said Jeremy Lemur, the marketing director, assuring that the brothel strives to provide a safe and compliant environment.
Union representatives suggest that the unionization process might take some time, but if the brothel acknowledges the Communications Workers of America, they could start negotiations for new contracts promptly.
Contractual Concerns
With the new contract that went into effect in December, employees at Sheri’s Ranch found themselves transferring control over their intellectual property and power of attorney to the brothel. Key terms in the contract grant the brothel a broad, perpetual license to distribute the women’s content without compensation.
Another worker, Molly Wilder, shared fears that these contract conditions would hinder workers from transitioning to other jobs. For her, this job is meant to help her pay off student loans, and she didn’t plan on making this a long-term career.
“I never intended to stay in this field forever,” Wilder said.
When the workers brought up their concerns, they were reportedly pressured to either support the unionization or resign. Jetson noted that some felt coerced into signing the petition.
Amid ongoing tension, Lemur has not addressed the women’s specific worries.
Jetson mentioned that she and two others were dismissed upon initiating union talks, and the Communications Workers of America is advocating for their reinstatement.
Independent Contractors vs. Employees
Barb Brents, an expert on Nevada’s sex industry, pointed out that sex workers are generally classified as independent contractors, which can limit their legal protections but offers more flexibility. The success of their unionization effort may hinge on whether they are recognized as independent contractors or as employees.
Lemur stated that independent contractor status is central to worker autonomy, yet the women argue they are managed like employees—they have set schedules, cannot work remotely, and must charge clients a minimum of $1,000 hourly, of which the brothel takes a 50% cut.
“In an ideal situation, we’d like to be classified as employees to gain the full rights and bargaining power that entails,” Jetson expressed.
Many workers would like to see their intellectual property protected and to renegotiate workplace conditions, such as recent dress code rules. Wilder indicated she would also like health insurance, which is currently not offered.
Other sectors of the sex industry are experiencing similar movements. Dancers at a Los Angeles topless bar, Star Garden, have successfully formed the only unionized group of strippers in the U.S. Previously, the Lusty Lady in San Francisco was a trailblazer in this area until its closure.
Brents highlighted the significance of the Sheri Ranch workers’ efforts, as a stand against a culture where they have historically been silenced. “It’s inspiring to see so many sex workers advocating for their rights,” she noted.
