Additional Coverage:
Louvre Museum Shuts Down as Workers Strike Over Security Concerns
Paris, France – The world-renowned Louvre Museum, home to iconic masterpieces like the “Mona Lisa,” found itself unexpectedly closed on Monday as staff members voted to strike, citing concerns over working conditions, security, and staffing levels. This action follows a high-profile jewelry heist in October that further highlighted long-standing issues within the institution.
Hundreds of workers, organized by the CFDT union, gathered Monday morning to cast their votes, ultimately deciding on a one-day work stoppage. Striking employees, adorned with flags and banners, subsequently blocked the museum’s famous glass pyramid entrance, turning away throngs of eager visitors.
The Louvre’s website promptly updated its status, announcing an “exceptional” closure for the day and assuring ticket holders of reimbursements.
Among those disappointed was Lindsey Hall from Sacramento, California, who expressed her sadness at missing out on what she described as “one of those life experiences you crave.” While understanding the workers’ perspective, she emphasized the “epic collection of art” that “every human should see.”
The strike comes after recent talks between labor unions and government officials, including Culture Minister Rachida Dati, failed to quell concerns. Union leaders specifically highlighted inadequate staffing and financial support for the museum, which welcomes millions of visitors annually.
Alexis Fritche, general secretary of the culture wing of the CFDT union, stated that “visiting the museum has become an obstacle course.”
The October jewelry heist, which saw thieves escape with $102 million worth of French crown jewels, served as a “crystallizing moment” for employees, according to Yvan Navarro of the CGT union. The incident underscored fears that overcrowding and understaffing are compromising both security and working conditions at the Louvre.
A recent Senate inquiry into the heist revealed critical shortcomings, including broken cameras, outdated equipment, understaffed control rooms, and poor coordination that initially misdirected police. The report indicated the thieves made their getaway with mere seconds to spare.
In their statement, the CFDT outlined employee demands for increased staffing in security and visitor services, improved working conditions, stable long-term budgets, and a leadership that “truly listens to staff.” Navarro further lamented the continuous decrease in staff numbers despite a steady increase in visitor traffic. “People come to Paris to visit the museums… the visitor numbers go up, the tariffs and the prices go up… but the salaries and the numbers of staffers don’t go up so obviously you reach a point like today, a day of anger,” he explained.
The strike vote was reportedly unanimous. While the museum is typically closed on Tuesdays, employees are scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday to determine if the work stoppage will continue.
Last week, the CFDT, CGT, and Sud unions issued an open-ended strike notice to Minister Dati, declaring the Louvre to be in “crisis” due to insufficient resources and “increasingly deteriorated working conditions.”
In response, the Culture Ministry announced on Sunday that Philippe Jost, known for overseeing the reconstruction of Notre Dame Cathedral, has been tasked with proposing a comprehensive reorganization of the Louvre, based on the findings of an administrative inquiry. Jost is expected to deliver his recommendations by the end of February, working alongside Louvre director Laurence des Cars, who previously acknowledged the heist as a “terrible failure.”