Eiffel Tower: Tourists turned away from Paris attraction as workers strike
The iconic monument is normally packed with tourists but in the last few months industrial action has twice forced it to shut.
Monday 19 February 2024 15:49, UK
Tourists hoping to climb the Eiffel Tower were left disappointed on Monday as workers went on strike.
Staff want a salary increase in proportion to rising ticket sales and better maintenance of one of the world's most-visited attractions.
People were warned on the monument's website there could be disruption and a sign in English at the entrance said: "Due to strike, the Eiffel Tower is closed. We apologise."
The tower in Paris is normally open 365 days a year but this is the second strike since last December.
"We're a little disappointed but we understand that people deserve a fair wage and they deserve proper working conditions," said Marisa Solis, a tourist from New York City.
"Knowing that I can't come to the tower today is very, very disappointing," said another American, Morgan McKenny, who was in the French capital to celebrate her birthday.
The CGT union, which represents many of the workers at the tower, said the business model is based on a flawed estimate of visitors, maintenance costs and staff compensation.
"They are giving priority to short-term benefits over long-term conservation of the monument and the well-being of the company we are working for," said union leader Stephane Dieu.
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The 330-metre-high (1,083ft) tower, which was designed by Gustave Eiffel, opened in 1889 and welcomes about six million visitors each year.
It was only meant to be a temporary structure to mark the World Fair, but the iconic landmark was ultimately preserved.
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It was the tallest structure in the world until New York's Chrysler Building was completed in 1929.
Paris is currently gearing up for a huge influx in visitor numbers for this summer's Olympic Games, which begin on 26 July and will feature metal from the tower in the winners' medals.