AEW’s return to Philadelphia is already causing a stir — and not just in the ring.
Ahead of the August 27th, 2025 edition of AEW Dynamite, the company’s new residency at the 2300 Arena (formerly ECW Arena) has drawn heat from members of IATSE Local 8, who launched a public protest outside the building.
The protest stems from claims that AEW and the 2300 Arena are offering wages and benefits that fall well below industry standards for technical and stagehand labor. According to a statement posted by IATSE Local 8, they are currently investigating the conditions under which workers for the event are being employed.
“It has come to our attention that the wages, benefits and working conditions may be below the prevailing area standard negotiated by IATSE Local 8 in this industry.”
The union laid out what they consider to be the baseline standard for wages in the area: $40/hour for journeyman workers, with additional contributions to health, welfare, annuity, pension, and training, totaling $54.40 per hour in combined compensation.
They argue that the lower pay being offered depresses wages and limits fair job opportunities for union workers.
“It is simple economics that the substandard wages, benefits and working conditions that are being paid by AEW/2300 ARENA tend to depress the wages, benefits and working conditions negotiated by the union and limit the employment opportunities of workers we represent.”
There’s also a legal angle to the protest. IATSE claims that any use of independent contractors being paid under 1099 forms — rather than as employees — could be in violation of the Pennsylvania Construction Workplace Misclassification Act, known as Act 72.
“Employers who violate Act 72 can face criminal and administrative penalties, including fines and potential stop-work orders.”
Despite the public protest, the union clarified it is not attempting to organize workers or block any individuals from working the event. Their goal is simply to call out what they view as unfair labor practices and pressure AEW and the venue to meet local standards.
“We do not seek to organize your employees nor does this organization seek to represent them… In the absence of such change, with supporting documentation, we intend to inform the public that AEW/2300 ARENA is undermining area standards.”
As banners and handbills go up around the historic Philadelphia venue, AEW has yet to publicly respond to the union’s claims. But with their first show of the residency happening tonight, the outside noise might be just as loud as the chants inside the arena.
Do you think AEW should address the union’s concerns publicly? Or is this just the latest growing pain for a company expanding into new territory? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
