Eiffel Tower Reopens After Strike Over Alleged Gender-Based Instructions During BAPS Delegation Visit
The Eiffel Tower reopened after a one-day strike sparked by alleged instructions restricting female staff from interacting with a visiting BAPS Hindu delegation. The CGT union called the directions 'unacceptable', while BAPS denied making any gender-based request and apologised for the controversy. Paris authorities have ordered an investigation.
The Eiffel Tower reopened Tuesday, a day after one of the world's most-visited landmarks was closed by a strike to protest what a union official called "unacceptable" management instructions limiting the presence of women during a visit by a Hindu delegation on Saturday. The 137-year-old tower, visited by some 7 million people each year, has now resumed operations following the industrial action.
Union Says Anger Grew Over Weekend Instructions
Diane Davoine of the CGT union told The Associated Press that anger grew among staff of the iconic 330-metre (1,083-foot) tower over the weekend after management told employees that female workers should not be in contact with a visiting delegation from Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, known as BAPS.
BAPS is a worldwide religious and civic organisation within the Swaminarayan sect. It has been holding celebrations to mark the inauguration of a traditional stone temple in the French capital. Eiffel Tower Closes Temporarily After Female Staff Sidelined During Hindu Delegation's Visit.
Davoine said the tower often hosts special delegations, including US President Donald Trump, visiting royals and celebrities like Britney Spears, and staff are usually happy to adapt. However, she said the instructions given on Saturday were exceptional, and "unacceptable."
BAPS Denies Gender-Based Request, Issues Apology
In a written statement emailed to the AP on Tuesday, BAPS said it coordinated with the Eiffel Tower's management to minimise disruption to staff and visitors ahead of a visit by a delegation of some 100 people. BAPS Paris Responds to Eiffel Tower Row, Says ‘No One Was Denied Access’.
The organisation said the coordination was "never, at any point, intended as a request rooted in gender, and any suggestion to the contrary does not reflect the spirit or values of our fellowship or the delegation."
BAPS added that it "remains firmly committed to the principles of equality, mutual respect, and service to all, regardless of gender, background, or belief," values it described as being at the heart of its tradition's teachings and community work worldwide.
In an earlier statement, the group had offered "sincere apologies to anyone who may have been hurt or inconvenienced by this situation."
The company that operates the Eiffel Tower did not immediately comment on the matter.
Paris Mayor Announces Investigation
In a message on X, Paris Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire said he would launch an investigation into the incident.
He said gender equality would never stop at the foot of the city's historic monuments or anywhere else, adding that it must apply everywhere and to everyone, and that he would ensure it does, without exception.
Not The First Strike At The Landmark
This is not the first time the tower has been closed by industrial action. It was previously shut for six days in February 2024 after employees went on strike demanding better maintenance of the historic landmark and higher wages.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 09, 2026 08:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
