Eiffel Tower Closed After Staff Strike Over Exclusion of Female Workers During Hindu Delegation Visit

The controversy began during a private visit by a Hindu delegation to the Eiffel Tower over the weekend. According to Le Monde, the visiting group requested that female staff be excluded from interacting with them during their time at the monument. The Eiffel Tower's operating company acknowledged that it accepted this request, later admitting that it was a mistake.

Unions and staff quickly raised concerns, arguing that the exclusion of women from their workplace was discriminatory and unacceptable in France. The incident touched a nerve, given the country's strong stance on gender equality and the presence of women in public life.

On Monday, September 7, staff at the Eiffel Tower staged a wildcat strike in response to the exclusion of their female colleagues, as The Local reported. The action led to the immediate closure of the iconic landmark, which normally welcomes nearly seven million visitors each year.

Management confirmed that the strike was triggered by the decision to meet the delegation's demand, and expressed regret over the situation. The Hindu group at the center of the controversy, identified as the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), issued a statement apologizing for any pain or inconvenience caused, as Euronews noted.

Political leaders, including the mayor of Paris, responded by announcing that an investigation would be launched into the circumstances of the visit and the exclusion of women, according to BBC News. The incident quickly gained international attention, sparking wider debate about religious accommodation, workplace rights, and gender equality.

By the end of Monday, the Eiffel Tower remained closed, with staff and management in discussions about how to move forward and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Eiffel Tower was still closed as of Monday evening, with the strike expected to end soon and the landmark likely to reopen on Tuesday, as reported by News18. Investigations by both the city and the tower's operating company are underway to determine how the request was handled and to address staff concerns.

The incident has prompted public apologies from both the tower's management and the visiting Hindu group. The event remains a point of discussion in France, especially regarding how cultural or religious requests are managed in public institutions.

Investigations are ongoing, and their findings may shape future policies on religious or cultural requests at public sites like the Eiffel Tower. There is also pressure from unions and political leaders to ensure such exclusions cannot happen again, meaning new guidelines or training for staff could be introduced.