Eiffel Tower Closed as Staff Strike Over Lack of Financing
Paris – The iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris closed its doors to visitors for three consecutive days, starting Wednesday, as staff extended their strike over the monument's funding, said the workers' union.
The strike began on Monday (February 19), as a protest against insufficient repair and maintenance costs.
The operator of the Eiffel Tower, SETE, has advised ticket holders to check its website before coming or postpone their visits. Electronic ticket holders are also asked to check their emails for further information.
"Ticket holders will be compensated," said the Eiffel Tower operator on Thursday, February 22, 2024.
Menara Eiffel
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This visit suspension marks the second issue at the Eiffel Tower in two months for the same reason.
The workers' union criticized SETE for projecting an increase in future visitor numbers but underestimating repair and maintenance costs.
They also want the city of Paris to raise more funds to keep the building in good condition.
Visitor numbers at the Eiffel Tower, one of the world's most famous tourist sites, plummeted during the Covid-19 pandemic due to closures and travel restrictions.
However, the site began to recover in 2022, with 5.9 million visitors, and 6.3 million tourists in 2023. Three-quarters of its visitors are foreigners.
Visitor numbers to Paris are expected to surge this summer as the French capital hosts the Olympics.
"The workers' union has asked the city of Paris to be financially reasonable to ensure the sustainability of the monument and the company operating it," said the Workers' Union in Paris.
Their main complaint is that the city hall charges high rent fees to the Eiffel Tower operator, which they believe are draining funds for necessary maintenance work.
The workers' union also complained that city officials have refused to meet with them since the strike began.
"We feel they are not taking this seriously," said Nada Bzioui, a representative of the FO union.
As information, the Eiffel Tower suffered a shortfall of around US$130 million (IDR2 trillion) during the Covid-19 crisis in 2020 and 2021.
Its operator has also received a recapitalization of 60 million euros, which the workers' union believes is insufficient, given the need for extensive maintenance work, including a new paint job.
