Workers at the 2300 Arena denounce low wages during AEW shows in Philly

The IATSE Local 8 union (technicians and stagehands) protested outside the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, hours before the start of the AEW event series in the city. The local section denounces that the non-unionized stage technicians working at the venue are being paid below the area's standard and without the usual health and pension contributions.

According to a statement from the union itself, the wages and benefits "could be below the prevailing standard negotiated by IATSE Local 8”. The document references a rate of $40.00/hour for skilled workers, with contributions of 15% of gross salary for health and welfare, 12% for annuities, 8% for pensions, and 1% for training.

IATSE Local 8 also warns about the possible "misclassification" of personnel as independent contractors, recalling that the Pennsylvania Construction Workplace Misclassification Act (Act 72) provides for civil and criminal penalties for employers engaging in that practice.

The protest was accompanied by videos posted on the union's Facebook page and a public campaign titled “Pay Your Workers a Fair Wage”, which encourages sending letters to the venue's management in support of the workers.

2300 Arena pays its non-unionized local stagehands below the standard. We are here to fight for their right to a fair wage and representation.

The 2300 Arena, the historic wrestling stronghold in Philadelphia, is hosting recordings and broadcasts this week with high-volume clients, including AEW. The union argues that the venue's business growth "contrasts with wages and conditions that do not match" and demands negotiations with IATSE to adjust salaries, benefits, and workplace safety to area levels.

As of now, neither the 2300 Arena nor AEW had issued a public statement in response to the union's accusations.