Things could get a little more heated than usual outside of AEW Dynamite tonight in Philadelphia. Members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 8 have announced they’ll be protesting outside the 2300 Arena during AEW’s tapings.
The union claims that AEW is not meeting the standard wages and benefits expected for live entertainment workers in the area. IATSE issued a statement on social media earlier today, saying their goal is to “inform the public” that the company’s current pay structure undercuts fair labor practices and could have long-term effects on jobs across the entertainment industry in the city.
AEW is running a residency at the historic ECW Arena this week, and IATSE’s post included the full schedule of shows, hinting that the demonstrations may not be limited to just Wednesday night’s Dynamite.
The union emphasized solidarity with its members, stating:
“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.”
It remains to be seen if this will have any direct impact on tonight’s tapings, but the presence of protesters outside such a high-profile wrestling event is sure to draw attention.
Wrestling News Blog 