Paris landmark reopens after staff strike

The Eiffel Tower has reopened to visitors after a one-day strike by staff. Employees protested against instructions to sideline female colleagues during a visit by a Hindu religious delegation. Staff expressed humiliation and shock, deeming the directives contrary to values of equality. The controversy arose from a visit by 100 members of the BAPS, a Hindu spiritual movement. Union representatives stated female employees were asked to leave their workstations, remain out of sight, or were replaced by male colleagues as the delegation passed. SETE, operator of the monument, acknowledged the visiting group had requested limited interactions with women. SETE conceded these conditions should not have been accepted, stating they were not in line with its values or equality principles. Management has since apologized to staff. The incident drew widespread condemnation. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire called the directive "unacceptable" and promised an investigation, emphasizing that equality values must be upheld at the Eiffel Tower. National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet asserted that welcoming others never means abandoning French values, and women are fully present in public life. BAPS apologized for any pain caused, but maintained no one was prevented access and disputed the request was rooted in gender. The staff strike began after female employees were reportedly instructed to "make themselves invisible." The reopening allows visitors access, while internal investigations by SETE and Paris authorities continue to prevent similar occurrences.