AEW & 2300 Arena Deny Union Wage Violations Amid Ongoing Protest in Philadelphia

AEW’s residency at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia has sparked major controversy — but both the venue and the company are firing back after union members protested outside the historic arena ahead of AEW Dynamite on August 27.

IATSE Local 8, which represents theatrical stagehands and technical crew in the area, accused AEW and the venue of paying below union-standard wages and benefits. They launched a picket line this week, stating that neither AEW nor 2300 Arena had provided proof that stagehands were being paid appropriately — and claimed workers might be misclassified as independent contractors in violation of Pennsylvania labor law.

But now, both AEW and the 2300 Arena are disputing those claims. In an email to POST Wrestling, 2300 Arena CEO Roger Artigiani denied the wage violation outright.

“Our workers are being paid the fair wage that they claim is not being paid,” Artigiani stated, though he stopped short of confirming whether the pay met the specific standards outlined by IATSE Local 8. He added that more details would be provided after Wednesday’s event.

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AEW also issued a direct statement distancing itself from the conflict, saying that its own labor practices are in line with union expectations.

“All Elite Wrestling has paid, and will continue to pay, the prevailing wages to all locals used as part of our residency at the venue and has maintained a great relationship with IATSE Local 8 for previous events held at other venues in Philadelphia,” a company spokesperson told POST Wrestling.
“Any current demonstrations being held are between 2300 Arena and IATSE Local 8.”

Despite those claims, IATSE Local 8 continues its protest, calling out what they view as substandard labor practices. A spokesperson from the union’s national office clarified that the demonstrations specifically focus on stagehands, those responsible for rigging lighting, setting up the stage, and handling production gear.

“Neither the 2300 Arena nor AEW have provided documentation showing that stagehands are being paid the area standard set by IATSE Local 8, or that workers are not being misclassified as independent contractors,” the union said.

AEW’s residency at the 2300 Arena runs through September 11, including multiple Dynamite and Collision tapings. IATSE’s national team confirmed they are open to negotiating a “one-off collective bargaining agreement” to resolve the issue for the current stretch of events.

Do you think AEW and the 2300 Arena should release the wage documentation to end the dispute, or is the union right to keep the pressure on? Sound off in the comments.