Top News

The Eiffel Tower was closed to visitors on Monday after employees went on strike over allegations that female workers were sidelined during a private visit by a Hindu religious delegation linked to BAPS, leading to the Eiffel Tower shuts development.

The delegation included around 100 people associated with Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, or BAPS. The group was in France for celebrations linked to the inauguration of a major Hindu temple near Paris.

Why Did Eiffel Tower Staff Protest?

According to staff representatives, female employees were asked to leave their workstations or stay away from certain areas while the delegation moved through the landmark. In some positions, male employees allegedly replaced them.

Workers condemned the instructions, saying they effectively sidelined women because of their gender. The protest delayed the monument’s opening and eventually kept the Eiffel Tower closed for the day.

The tower’s operating company, Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), acknowledged that the delegation had requested arrangements to limit interactions with women. The company said it should not have accepted those conditions because they conflicted with its values and commitment to equality.

Paris authorities have also ordered an investigation. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire described the situation as unacceptable and stressed that gender equality must apply everywhere in the city, including its famous landmarks.

What Did BAPS Say?

BAPS said it took the concerns raised by Eiffel Tower employees seriously and apologised to anyone who felt hurt or inconvenienced.

The organisation said the private visit was coordinated with Eiffel Tower teams at the start of normal opening hours because of the delegation’s size. BAPS also said it was not aware of anyone being denied access to the monument.

The Eiffel Tower shuts incident has sparked a wider debate in France over gender equality, workplace rights and how religious requests should be handled at public landmarks.

FAQs

Q: Why did the Eiffel Tower shut?

A: The Eiffel Tower shuts after staff went on strike over allegations that female employees were sidelined during a BAPS delegation’s private visit.

Q: What happened to female workers at the Eiffel Tower?

A: Staff alleged that some female employees were asked to leave their posts or avoid certain areas while the delegation visited.

Q: What did BAPS say about the incident?

A: BAPS said it took the concerns seriously and apologised to anyone who felt hurt or inconvenienced.

Q: Will the Eiffel Tower reopen?

A: Yes. The Eiffel Tower shuts temporarily because of the staff protest, with the landmark expected to reopen after the strike.