PARIS — The Eiffel Tower remained closed to visitors on Monday after staff members initiated a sudden strike to protest the treatment of female employees during a weekend private tour. Visitors arriving at the iconic French monument found only a posted notice citing operational difficulties instead of the usual opening hours.
The industrial action stemmed from an incident on Saturday, when roughly one hundred individuals associated with the BAPS Hindu religious organization toured the landmark. According to labor representatives, female staff members stationed at the site were instructed to vacate their posts and step aside so that male colleagues could take their places.
Union officials reported that the directive left the affected workers feeling deeply degraded and distressed. Although management subsequently offered an apology, workforce frustration escalated over the following 48 hours, culminating in Monday's work stoppage. Employees organized the strike to demand direct discussions with leadership and secure firm guarantees that female workers will never face similar treatment in the future.
The company responsible for managing the monument, known as SETE, acknowledged that the delegation had requested arrangements to restrict direct contact with women. Leadership at the operating firm conceded that accommodating such conditions was a mistake that contradicted corporate principles and national standards of gender equality. Company president Ariel Weil emphasized that the Eiffel Tower remains fully dedicated to upholding republican principles and equal treatment for all individuals.
The controversy prompted widespread reactions across the French political landscape. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire validated the workforce's grievances and announced that authorities would initiate a formal inquiry into the planning and execution of the private visit. High-ranking political figures from various parties also voiced strong opposition to any compromise on gender equality standards within French public institutions.
Representatives for the religious organization issued a public statement addressing the backlash. The group explained that the tour had been coordinated with monument operators during standard opening hours to prevent general disruption, while also offering an apology for any distress or inconvenience generated by the event. The spiritual movement noted its global presence and commitment to community service and mutual respect.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.
