For the fourth consecutive day, the Eiffel Tower stands silent and inaccessible as workers in France’s capital city continue their strike action.
This iconic symbol, slated to play a central role in the upcoming Paris Olympics festivities, remains devoid of visitors, shrouded in the echoes of protest.
Denis Vavassori, representing the striking workers from the CGT union, has cautioned that the demonstration may persist for an extended period, potentially spanning weeks.
Visiting the Eiffel Tower Amid Closure
Traditionally open 365 days a year, the Eiffel Tower finds itself shuttered due to the ongoing strikes.
Travelers who have made bookings to visit this landmark are urged to consult its official website for updates on opening hours.
Presently, a notice informs visitors of the closure advising those with e-tickets to monitor their email for further instructions.
Reasons Behind the Closure
The striking employees are rallying for a salary increase commensurate with the revenue generated from ticket sales, alongside advocating for enhanced maintenance of the 135-year-old structure, which exhibits signs of rust on its iron framework.
Despite generating substantial revenue—reportedly millions of euros annually for the city of Paris—the tower has faced financial setbacks due to prolonged closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, amounting to a loss of €130 million in revenue, as indicated by Paris deputy mayor Emmanuel Grégoire.
Grégoire maintains that despite financial strains, the maintenance of the monument remains uncompromised, expressing confidence in the resolution of disputes between the tower’s operating company and the striking workers.
The Eiffel Tower’s Role in Upcoming Events
Set against the backdrop of the impending Paris Games and subsequent Paralympics, the Eiffel Tower symbolises more than just a historic landmark—it embodies the spirit of these global celebrations. Notably, fragments of its iron structure will be incorporated into the Olympic and Paralympic medals, further cementing its significance in this summer’s events.
Seeking Resolution Amidst Discontent
Union representatives, including Stephane Dieu of the CGT union, emphasize the need for constructive dialogue with city officials and the tower’s ownership to ensure seamless operations, particularly during the bustling summer months.
Criticism of the tower operator’s business model persists, with unions alleging an overestimation of future visitor numbers at the expense of maintenance and employee welfare—an issue that has sparked unrest in the past, notably during last year’s nationwide protests against pension reforms.