IATSE protests AEW residency at 2300 Arena over wages and benefits

Members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 8 staged protests outside the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia on the eve of All Elite Wrestling starting a seven-show residency at the venue, saying the events fail to meet area standards for wages and benefits. The union said it will continue public actions across the residency, which runs from August 27 through September 11 and includes weekly AEW television programs and a Ring of Honor pay per view, unless the arena and promoters demonstrate they are paying prevailing wages and contributing to benefits funds.

In a written statement posted on social media, IATSE Local 8 said, "This week, IATSE Local 8 members are out in force to inform the public that All Elite Wrestling AEW events in Philadelphia are failing to meet area standards by paying substandard wages and benefits. When employers undercut these standards it threatens wages, benefits, and job opportunities for all entertainment workers in the community. We stand in solidarity with our Local 8 kin as they hold employers accountable and fight to protect the fair standards that entertainment workers deserve."

Local 8 has made specific wage and benefit...