Eiffel Tower reopens after strike over restricting women staff during Hindu delegation's visit

The Eiffel Tower reopened Tuesday, a day after the landmark was closed by a strike over what a union official called “unacceptable” management instructions limiting the presence of women during a visit by a Hindu delegation.

Diane Davoine of the CGT union told The Associated Press that staff became angry after management instructed employees that female workers should “not be in contact” with a delegation from Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, or BAPS, during its visit Saturday.

BAPS, a global religious and civic organisation within the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism, has been holding celebrations following the inauguration of a traditional Hindu stone temple in Paris.

In a statement to AP, BAPS said it had coordinated with Eiffel Tower management to minimise disruption during the visit by about 100 people. The group said the coordination was “never, at any point, intended as a request rooted in gender” and apologised to anyone hurt or inconvenienced by the situation.

BAPS also said it remained committed to equality and mutual respect regardless of gender, background or belief.

The company operating the Eiffel Tower did not immediately comment. The 137-year-old landmark attracts about seven million visitors annually.

Davoine said staff regularly accommodate special delegations, including visiting US presidents, royals and celebrities, but described Saturday’s instructions as exceptional and unacceptable.

Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire said on X that he would launch an investigation, adding that gender equality must apply “everywhere and to everyone” in the city.

The Eiffel Tower has previously been closed because of industrial action, including a six-day strike in February 2024 over maintenance and wage demands.