The Eiffel Tower reopened Tuesday, a day after one of the world's most-visited landmarks was closed by a strike to protest what a union official called “unacceptable” management instructions limiting the presence of women during a visit by a Hindu delegation on Saturday.
Diane Davoine of the CGT union told The Associated Press anger grew among staff of the iconic 330-meter (1,083-foot) tower over the weekend after management told employees that female workers should ″not be in contact″ with a visiting delegation from Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha.
The group, known as BAPS, is a worldwide religious and civic organization within the Swaminarayan sect, a branch of Hinduism. It has been holding celebrations to mark the inauguration of a traditional Hindu stone temple in the French capital.
In a statement Monday night, the group offered “sincere apologies to anyone who may have been hurt or inconvenienced by this situation.”
It added: “We are deeply committed to the universal values of mutual respect and service to others. We respect the concerns raised and take them very seriously.”
The company that operates the Eiffel Tower did not immediately comment. The 137-year-old tower is visited by some 7 million people each year.
Davoine said the tower often hosts special delegations, including U.S. President Donald Trump, visiting royals and celebrities like Britney Spears, and staff are happy to adapt. But she said the instructions Saturday were exceptional, and ″unacceptable.″
In a message on X, Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire said he would launch an investigation.
“Gender equality will never stop at the foot of our historic monuments, or anywhere else in this city,” he said. “It must apply everywhere and to everyone. I will ensure that it does — everywhere, without exception.”
It was not the first time the tower has been closed by industrial action. It was shut for six days in February 2024 because of striking employees demanding better maintenance of the historic landmark, and higher wages.
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