Staff at the Eiffel Tower go on strike
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, the Eiffel Tower, was closed on Monday due to a strike by employees, unions informed AFP.
They claimed that the walkout, which was called in opposition to the monument's financial management, might be prolonged.
On its website, SETE, the tower's operator, stated that "visits of the monument will be disrupted on Monday."
It suggested that ticket buyers either postpone their visit or check its website before arriving. It was requested of e-ticket holders to check their emails for additional details.
For the same reason, this stoppage marks the second strike at the Eiffel Tower in as many months.
Operator SETE has come under fire from unions for their economic model, which they claim is predicated on an exaggerated projection of future visitor numbers and an underestimation of construction costs.
According to its website, the Eiffel Tower, the most well-known monument in Paris, welcomes close to seven million tourists annually, of which around three-quarters are foreign nationals.
Due to closures and travel restrictions during the Covid epidemic, the population fell precipitously; however, it rose to 5.9 million in 2022.
As the French city hosts the Olympic Games this summer, more people are anticipated to visit Paris.
The CGT and FO unions urged Paris "to be reasonable with their financial demands to ensure the survival of the monument and the company operating it" in a joint statement.
AFP
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