AEWs 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 companys 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.
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.
Theres 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.
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.
As banners and handbills go up around the historic Philadelphia venue, AEW has yet to publicly respond to the unions 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 unions 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.
