Eiffel Tower closed due to strike after female staff allegedly removed for religious group

Live updates

1. 7d ago

   Eiffel Tower Reopens Following Staff Strike Over Treatment of Women

   The Eiffel Tower reopened to the public after a one-day closure caused by a staff strike. Workers walked off the job following allegations that female employees were ordered out of sight during a visit by a Hindu delegation from the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha group. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, which Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire called not acceptable. The religious group apologized over the row and stated that the request was never intended to be rooted in gender.

   Why it matters

   The closure disrupted operations at one of the world's most prominent landmarks and triggered immediate administrative scrutiny in France. Union representatives reported that female staff members felt humiliated after being removed from their workspaces so men could take their places during the tour. The controversy highlights tensions surrounding workplace equality and private delegation requests at major public tourist sites.

   What is confirmed

   • The Eiffel Tower closed on Monday amid a staff strike after management allegedly ordered female employees to stay out of sight while a Hindu group toured the structure.
   • Around 100 members of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha toured the tower on Saturday.
   • Women were asked to leave their places of work in order to place men there, according to union representative Diane Davoine.
   • The Eiffel Tower Operating Company stated the tour group requested limited interactions with women.
   • Local authorities opened an investigation and Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire called the alleged directive not acceptable.
   • The Eiffel Tower reopened to the public on Tuesday.

   Still unconfirmed

   • BAPS Paris disputed the claim that the request was rooted in gender, stating it did not reflect the spirit or values of their fellowship.

   What to watch next

   • Findings and official conclusions from the local authorities' investigation into the Eiffel Tower management and the delegation's visit.
   • Further statements or policy updates from the Eiffel Tower Operating Company regarding private tours and staff treatment.
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. Reuters — Paris investigates claim women were hidden from Hindu delegation at Eiffel Tower
   2. Euronews.com — Eiffel Tower closes as staff strike amid row over Hindu group visit
   3. BBC — Eiffel Tower shut by staff strike over women being moved for religious visit
   4. dw.com — Eiffel Tower employees strike after female staff removed
   5. CNN — Eiffel Tower closed due to strike after female staff allegedly removed for religious group
   6. dw.com — India news: Hindu group apologizes over Eiffel Tower row
   7. Al Jazeera — Eiffel Tower to reopen after protest over removing women staff
   8. CBS News — France opens investigation after female Eiffel Tower staff removed for Hindu group's visit
   9. The Times of India — Eiffel Tower reopens after female staff strike: What exactly happened during BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha’s delegation visit in Paris?
   10. www.thedailybeast.com — Eiffel Tower Staff Strike Over Shocking Order to Female Workers
   11. www.dailynews.com — Eiffel Tower reopens after strike over limits on women staff during Hindu delegation visit
   12. americanbazaaronline.com — Eiffel Tower reopens after staff strike over treatment of women during BAPS visit
   confidence 95%