Eiffel Tower closes as staff strike amid row over Hindu group visit

Live updates

1. 6d ago

   Eiffel Tower Reopens After Staff Strike Over Hindu Group Visit

   The Eiffel Tower has reopened following a one-day strike by staff members protesting the treatment of female employees during a visit by a Hindu delegation from the BAPS sect. Workers walked off the job after female personnel were allegedly instructed to stay out of sight or sidelined to accommodate the group. Paris officials launched an investigation into the incident, which has drawn condemnation and united French politicians while dividing the Indian diaspora. The BAPS organization apologized over the gender row, and India distanced itself from the controversy, stating the matter is purely between the concerned entities.

   Why it matters

   The dispute centers on allegations of gender-based exclusion at one of the world's most-visited landmarks during a religious delegation's tour. The controversy sparked rare political unity among French lawmakers while creating divisions within the Indian diaspora regarding the sect involved. Meanwhile, the Indian government has formally stepped away from the dispute.

   What is confirmed

   • The Eiffel Tower closed for a day after staff launched a strike over the removal or sidelining of female employees during a visit by a Hindu delegation.
   • Paris officials have launched an investigation into the removal of female staff during the visit.
   • The Eiffel Tower has since reopened following the strike.
   • The Hindu sect at the center of the controversy is the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, known as BAPS.
   • India stepped away from the row, with official reaction describing it as purely between concerned entities.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Female workers were specifically instructed to stay out of sight and limited in presence during the delegation visit.
   • The BAPS organization denies that women were denied access during the visit.

   What to watch next

   • Findings and conclusions from the official Paris investigation into the removal of female staff.
   • Further official statements or actions from French politicians regarding workplace gender policies at national landmarks.
   • Developments in the reaction of the Indian diaspora in France to the BAPS apology.
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.dailymail.com — Eiffel Tower's decision to remove female staff for Hindu group's visit is condemned as 'absurd and unjust' as investigation is launched
   2. www.india.com — ‘Purely between concerned entities’: India steps away from row over Hindu group’s Eiffel Tower visit
   3. www.france24.com — Eiffel Tower row over Hindu sect BAPS unites French politicians – but divides Indian diaspora
   4. www.chicagotribune.com — Eiffel Tower reopens after strike over limits on women staff during Hindu delegation visit
   5. www.indiablooms.com — Eiffel Tower reopens after strike; BAPS apologises over gender row
   6. www.indiablooms.com — Trump bans Canadian alcohol, dairy imports as trade war with Canada escalates further
   confidence 95%
2. 7d ago

   Eiffel Tower closes as staff strike over removal of female employees

   The Eiffel Tower is closed after staff launched a strike following the removal or sidelining of female employees during a visit by a Hindu delegation. Workers are protesting claims that women were hidden or moved to accommodate the group. Paris officials have opened an investigation into the matter. While staff members claim gender-based exclusion occurred, the BAPS organization, the group at the center of the row, denies that women were denied access during the visit.

   Why it matters

   The dispute involves BAPS monks who maintain strict celibacy vows that prohibit interaction with women. This organization maintains a close relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

   What is confirmed

   • The Eiffel Tower is closed due to a staff strike.
   • The strike follows a dispute regarding the treatment of female staff during a Hindu group visit.
   • Paris is investigating claims that women were hidden from the Hindu delegation.

   Still unconfirmed

   • BAPS monks take strict celibacy vows that prevent interaction with women.
   • BAPS denies that women were denied access during the visit.

   What to watch next

   • Results of the Paris investigation into the treatment of female staff
   • Statements from Eiffel Tower management regarding the strike
   • Response from the BAPS organization regarding the staff protests
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. France 24 — Eiffel Tower workers go on strike after female staff 'sidelined' for Hindu group's visit
   2. Reuters — Paris investigates claim women were hidden from Hindu delegation at Eiffel Tower
   3. Euronews.com — Eiffel Tower closes as staff strike amid row over Hindu group visit
   4. lemonde.fr — Eiffel Tower closed in row over women removed for Hindu group
   5. The Telegraph — Eiffel Tower workers strike after female staff removed during Hindu visit
   6. BBC — Eiffel Tower shut by staff strike over women being moved for religious visit
   7. www.el-balad.com — Eiffel Tower closes as staff strike over Hindu group visit
   8. www.newslaundry.com — BAPS and its celibate monks: The organisation at the centre of the Eiffel Tower row
   9. pragativadi.com — Eiffel Tower row: BAPS denies women were denied access amid backlash over female staff
   confidence 90%