Overview

• Local 8 staged on-site protests at Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena as AEW opened a seven-show run from August 27 to September 11, urging payment of area-standard wages and benefits.
• The union published its benchmark of $40 per hour plus health, annuity, pension and training contributions totaling $54.40 all-in, and says it has not received documentation that stagehands are being paid at that level.
• AEW said it is paying prevailing wages to local hires and framed the demonstrations as an issue with the venue, while 2300 Arena’s CEO said workers are being paid a fair wage.
• Union officials allege AEW brought in out-of-area crews and classified some workers as independent contractors, warning that 1099 status may violate Pennsylvania’s Act 72 on misclassification.
• Asked about the protest on an ROH media call on August 28, AEW president Tony Khan declined to comment.