The Eiffel Tower welcomed visitors again on Tuesday, ending a temporary closure prompted by a strike protesting what a union representative described as “unacceptable” directives limiting female staff interaction during a visit by a Hindu delegation over the weekend. Diane Davoine, from the CGT union, highlighted growing discontent among employees following management’s instructions to restrict contact between female workers and the visiting group from Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a global religious and civic organization within the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism. The group was in Paris for events commemorating the opening of a traditional Hindu temple.
BAPS, in a statement emailed to The Associated Press, clarified that their coordination with the Eiffel Tower management aimed to minimize disruptions for both staff and guests during the visit of around 100 delegates and was not based on gender considerations. They emphasized their commitment to equality, mutual respect, and service for all individuals irrespective of gender, background, or beliefs, aligning with the core values of their tradition.
The group expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and reiterated their dedication to inclusivity. The company overseeing the Eiffel Tower did not provide an immediate response. The iconic 137-year-old landmark draws approximately seven million visitors annually and frequently hosts special delegations, dignitaries, and celebrities.
Concerned by the incident, Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire pledged to launch an investigation to uphold gender equality standards across the city, emphasizing that such principles should be universal and all-encompassing. This incident is not the first time the Eiffel Tower has faced closure due to labor disputes, with a previous shutdown in February 2024 over maintenance and wage concerns raised by striking workers.