On September 7, according to the British broadcaster BBC, the Eiffel Tower was closed following a staff strike triggered when female employees were forced to leave their workstations during a visit by a Hindu religious group.
Eiffel Tower Closed After Staff Walkout Over Workplace Restrictions
The closure of Paris’s most famous landmark followed a visit on Saturday, September 5, by approximately 100 people associated with the religious group BAPS. According to trade union representative Diane Davoine, female employees had to step away from their posts upon the visitors’ arrival and were replaced by male staff. Davoine stated that management subsequently apologized to the female workers, but called the incident humiliating and unacceptable.
Tension built throughout the weekend, leading workers to gather on September 7. Davoine explained that staff met first to open a dialogue with management, and second to ensure the company never treats female employees this way again. The Eiffel Tower operating company, Société d’Exploitation de la tour Eiffel (SETE), confirmed that visitors requested visit arrangements that limited contact with women. SETE stated that such rules should not have been accepted, adding that they do not align with SETE values or gender equality principles.
Did you know? SETE President Ariel Weil stated that restricting employees based on gender is entirely unacceptable and emphasized that the company strictly respects republican values and gender equality.
BAPS Temple Consecration and Institutional Responses
The religious group BAPS consecrated its first major temple in France on September 6 in a Paris suburb. In a statement posted on X, the BAPS Paris temple noted that the visit was coordinated with the Eiffel Tower team and took place at the start of working hours to avoid inconveniencing others. BAPS apologized for the pain and inconvenience caused, adding that the organization believes in shared values of mutual respect. On its website, the group describes itself as a spiritual, volunteer-driven community dedicated to societal improvement through Hindu values.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire announced that an investigation would be conducted into the circumstances of the visit. According to Grégoire, the anger of the Eiffel Tower staff is justified, and gender equality does not stop at the entrance of historical monuments or anywhere else in the city. French far-right leader Marine Le Pen emphasized that France will never accept restrictions on women’s presence, while former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal stated that no culture, belief, or worship in France can dictate to women where they belong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Eiffel Tower closed on September 7?
According to the BBC, workers staged a strike and closed the tower after female employees were forced to leave their workstations during a visit by members of the Hindu religious group BAPS.
What did the operating company say about the incident?
SETE confirmed that visitors asked to limit contact with women. SETE management acknowledged that these rules should never have been accepted because they violate company values and gender equality.
How did the BAPS group respond to the backlash?
BAPS issued a statement on X apologizing for the pain and inconvenience caused, stating that the visit was coordinated ahead of time to avoid disruptions and that the group values mutual respect.
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