The Eiffel Tower reopened to the public on Tuesday after a one-day strike prompted by what a union official described as "unacceptable" management directives concerning female staff during a visit by a Hindu delegation. The closure on Monday affected one of the world's most recognizable landmarks.
The CGT union stated that staff anger stemmed from instructions given over the weekend suggesting that female workers should "not be in contact" with a visiting delegation from Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, known as BAPS. This organization, a global religious and civic group within the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism, has been in Paris for celebrations marking the inauguration of a new Hindu temple.
In response to the situation, BAPS issued a statement offering "sincere apologies to anyone who may have been hurt or inconvenienced by this situation." The group affirmed its commitment to "universal values of mutual respect and service to others" and stated it takes the concerns raised "very seriously."
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire announced an investigation into the incident, asserting that "Gender equality will never stop at the foot of our historic monuments, or anywhere else in this city." He added that equality "must apply everywhere and to everyone."
The company operating the Eiffel Tower has not yet issued a comment. The 137-year-old tower, a major tourist attraction, draws approximately 7 million visitors annually. Union representative Diane Davoine noted that while the tower frequently hosts special delegations, including dignitaries and celebrities, the instructions given on Saturday were considered exceptional and unacceptable.
This is not the first time industrial action has led to the Eiffel Tower's closure. In February 2024, the landmark was shut for six days due to a strike by employees demanding improved maintenance and higher wages.