Tony Khan has declined to comment on the ongoing union protests taking place outside the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, the site of AEW’s current multi-event residency. During a media call for ROH Death Before Dishonor, Khan was asked about the situation and the boycott being encouraged by the union. He responded simply, “No, I don’t [have any comment],” before moving to the next question.
The protest, organized by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 8, began on Tuesday, August 26, ahead of AEW’s seven-event run at the venue. The union alleges that stagehands for the events are not being paid according to established local industry standards.
According to IATSE Local 8, the standard collectively bargained rate for stagehands in the area is $54.40 per hour. The union stated that paying below this rate threatens the wages and benefits of all entertainment workers in the Philadelphia community. A national representative also noted concerns that workers might be misclassified as independent contractors.
For its part, All Elite Wrestling has positioned the dispute as an issue between the 2300 Arena and the union. In an official statement, an AEW spokesperson affirmed the company’s commitment to fair pay, stating, “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.”
The company also emphasized its positive history with the union, noting it “has maintained a great relationship with IATSE Local 8 for previous events held at other venues in Philadelphia.” An AEW spokesperson suggested the union may be leveraging the company’s global broadcast presence to pressure the 2300 Arena, which is a non-union venue.
The 2300 Arena’s status as a non-union venue is a central factor in the conflict. However, the arena’s CEO, Roger Artigiani, has disputed the union’s allegations. In an email to Post Wrestling, he stated, “Our workers are being paid the fair wage that they claim is not being paid.”