Eiffel Tower closes amid worker strike

Paris, The Gulf Observer: The closure of the Eiffel Tower to visitors on Wednesday was a result of a labor strike pertaining to ongoing contract negotiations. This suspension coincided with a significant date for the Parisian monument, as it commemorated 100 years since the passing of its visionary architect, Gustave Eiffel. The strike disrupted normal operations at the iconic landmark, impacting visitor access and services as negotiations between workers and management continued.

Tourists can still access the glass-enclosed esplanade beneath the tower, but access to the 300-meter (984-foot) landmark itself is closed until further notice, according to an Eiffel Tower spokesperson.

The strike was declared ahead of contract negotiations with the city of Paris, which owns the 134-year-old monument, the spokesperson said. Union representatives did not immediately respond for comment, and it was unclear how long the strike would last.

One of the world’s most-visited sites, the Eiffel Tower is typically open 365 days a year — though it sees occasional strikes — and is expected to play a central role in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The attraction normally sees about 20,000 visitors per day this time of year, said the spokesperson, who was not authorized to be publicly named according to tower management policy.

A special music show marking the death of Gustave Eiffel on Dec. 27, 1923, was still scheduled to air on social networks and French television Wednesday night because it was prerecorded, the spokesperson said.