Eiffel Tower Strike Closes Iconic Paris Landmark
An Eiffel Tower strike has closed the popular Paris, France, landmark. The CGT union, which represents nearly 300 workers, ordered the strike to being on Tuesday.
Thousands of tourists were denied admission to the iconic structure as union representatives negotiated profit-sharing options and raises in salary. Company director Nicolas Lefebvre could not comment on how long the strike is expected to last.
As reported by ABC News, the Eiffel Tower strike disappointed numerous tourists hoping to enter the 124-year-old tower. Olga Castillanos, of Los Angeles, expected to tour the tower on the last day of her trip. Unfortunately, she had to settle for a view from the ground.
As reported by Reuters, the strike comes after years of disagreement. Union representatives explain that vital projects have been delayed, creating issues with security, safety, and employee satisfaction.
One of the issues involves repairs to the west elevator. The project was expected to be completed within 18 months. However, the repairs that began in 2008 remain incomplete.
As the elevator is inoperable, employees have complained that the Eiffel Tower cannot comfortably accommodate the 30,000 daily visitors.
As explained by LiveScience, the Eiffel Tower was constructed in 1889 as the centerpiece for the World’s Fair. The original design was created by Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, employees of Gustave Eiffel.
Construction of the iron landmark was completed within two years. The tower cost 7,799,401 French gold Francs to build. It stands 1,063 feet tall, including an antenna. The Eiffel Tower remained the world’s tallest man made structure until the Chrysler Building was completed in 1930.
Over 7 million tourists visit the iconic landmark every year. It is estimated that over 250 million people have traveled to see the tower since its debut in 1889. Visitors can travel to the top via elevators and a stairway.
As one of the elevators is currently inoperable, visitors are limited to the two others. Employees complain that it has taken longer to repair the west elevator than it took to build the entire structure in 1889.
The Eiffel Tower strike will likely continue until union representatives are satisfied with the ongoing negotiations. The strike may be beneficial for for workers. However, tourists are disappointed that the structure was closed to visitors with little notice.
[Image via Wikimedia]
