Eiffel Tower Closed as Staff Strike on 100th Anniversary of Creator’s Death
The Eiffel Tower in Paris was closed to the public as staff went on strike on the 100th anniversary of Gustave Eiffel's death.
Staff Strike Shuts Down the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower, a 134-year-old monument and one of the world's most visited attractions, was closed to the public on Wednesday due to a strike by the staff. Disappointed tourists who had booked tickets to visit the iconic landmark were informed that it was shut and would receive further communication via email.
The strike, organized by the powerful CGT union, took place ahead of contract negotiations with City Hall, which owns the tower. The union expressed its discontent over the current management of the Eiffel Tower and claimed that the operating company, SETE, is heading for disaster due to an unrealistic business model.
Union Raises Concerns about SETE's Business Model
The CGT union believes that SETE's business model is too ambitious and unsustainable. The union argues that the company's future budget is based on an over-optimistic estimate of ticket sales revenue and an underestimation of maintenance and repair costs. Currently, the Eiffel Tower attracts nearly 7 million visitors annually, with three-quarters of them being foreign tourists.
However, the CGT points out that SETE's budget projections rely on drawing 7.4 million visitors every year, a figure the tower has never previously reached. The union considers this estimate to be unrealistic and raises concerns about the financial stability of the operating company.
Strike Does Not Affect Centenary Celebration Preparations
While the strike disrupted public access to the Eiffel Tower, preparations for the centenary celebration of Gustave Eiffel's death went ahead as planned. The esplanade at the foot of the tower remained open to the public, and a light and sound show was pre-recorded for broadcast from the first floor of the tower.
The show, overseen by a DJ and featuring artistic music and dance performances, was not affected by the strike and was broadcasted on social media and television. The strike's impact was limited to the closure of the tower itself, allowing the commemorative event to proceed smoothly.
