This is the second shutdown in two months at one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world in protest of what unions claim is inadequate investment.
Paris: The renowned Eiffel Tower in France remained closed for a fifth day on Friday due to a strike by employees over the administration of the landmark, according to unions.
This is the second shutdown in two months at one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world in protest of what unions claim is inadequate investment.
The operator of the tower, SETE, has recommended ticket holders to either postpone their visit or check its website prior to arriving.
Operators claimed that ticket holders would receive their money back.
SETE has come under fire from unions for basing its economic strategy on what they claim is an exaggerated projection of future visitor numbers while underestimating the expenses of upkeep and repairs.
The unions claim that the lease cost city hall is charging the operator of the Eiffel Tower is excessive and that this is taking money away from essential upkeep.
According to SETE, additional steps to rectify these issues would involve a 20% increase in ticket prices.
In order to ride the lift to the peak, an adult now has to pay 29.40 euros ($31) for a ticket. Paying a bit less goes to those who consent to ascend the stairs.
Additionally, the operator promised a more than twofold increase in the maintenance work budget.
In addition, although though workers have primarily voiced complaints about the tower’s management, it has pledged to negotiate an agreement over the “employment conditions and salaries” of its employees within a week.
On Thursday, Culture Minister Rachida Dati also proposed that the Eiffel Tower be designated as a “historical monument” in order to enable the state to provide funding for repairs if necessary.
She stated on X, the previous Twitter, that “the Eiffel Tower does not have enough protection.”
A shortage of around 120 million euros ($130 million) was recorded by the Eiffel Tower during the 2020 and 2021 Covid epidemic.
Since then, the operator has gotten a recapitalization of 60 million euros, but unions claim this is insufficient considering that significant maintenance work, such as a new paint job, is required.
Due to closures and travel limitations, the number of visitors to the Eiffel Tower fell precipitously during COVID-19; nevertheless, it rebounded to 5.9 million in 2022 and 6.3 million last year.
Built at the 1889 World Fair, the architect Gustave Eiffel’s masterwork has undergone numerous paint jobs.
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