Business Agent for IATSE Local 8 Says Dispute Is More With 2300 Arena Than AEW

Ahead of AEW’s residency at the 2300 Arena on August 27, IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) was lined up outside the arena to protest.

2300 Arena is a non-union arena.

Speaking to POST Wrestling, Phil Effinger, Business Agent for IATSE Local 8, stated, “While the dispute is largely between us and the 2300 Arena, we do find it unfortunate that AEW chose for this run to go to a non-union venue. We’ve had a long, fruitful relationship with AEW, and in the past, they have elected to come to some of our other venues in Philly, such as the Liacouras Center, to host their productions, and we have a great time, and we really enjoy working with them.”

Effinger acknowledged the historical signficance of the former ECW Arena, but asked AEW to respect the relationship with IATSE.

“There have been productions in the past that were more of a one-off thing where we have been able to work it out with 2300 Arena to pay the prevailing rate,” Effinger said while admitting to having no knowledge as to whether that included NXT, who ran the venue in November 2024.

“Our hope is that we can sign a contract that covers the work beyond AEW,” Effinger said. “Because once AEW leaves, our fear is that Roger will just go back to paying substandard wages to his stagehands at any productions in the future. What we’re looking for is a contract that covers the workers that are already there and the work that they do. We don’t want to replace anyone. In fact, it is against our constitution bylaws to replace anybody as a result of an organizing drive, because those workers who are already there are entitled to keep that work.”

2300 Arena CEO Roger Artigiani said, “I don’t see a company like [AEW] coming back to us. I’d be very surprised if they do. Not because of what we do here, our hospitality, our ability to put on these shows. It’s just that our footprint isn’t really made for this. We don’t have the space. [AEW has] a lot of equipment, a lot of stuff.”

Effinger claims that Artigiani doesn’t compensate his stagehands the union standard and hopes that the union could reach a long-term agreement with the 2300 Arena that would make the building commit to paying its stagehands $54.40 an hour.

Tony Khan declined to comment on the protests when asked during a media call ahead of ROH Death Before Dishonor.