The strike followed a dispute over instructions allegedly issued to employees ahead of a Saturday visit by around 100 members of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, commonly known as BAPS.
Union objects to instructions for female staff
Diane Davoine of the CGT union told The Associated Press that tensions among Eiffel Tower employees escalated after management allegedly instructed female workers to “not be in contact” with members of the visiting delegation.
Davoine said the instructions were unusual and unacceptable, arguing that staff members regularly accommodate special delegations and high-profile visitors at the iconic Paris landmark.
The 330-metre (1,083-foot) Eiffel Tower attracts around 7 million visitors annually.
BAPS denies gender-based request
BAPS, a global religious and civic organisation within the Swaminarayan tradition, said it had coordinated with Eiffel Tower management ahead of the visit to minimise disruption to staff and visitors.
In a statement, the organisation said the coordination “was never, at any point, intended as a request rooted in gender” and that suggestions otherwise did not reflect the values of the delegation or its fellowship.
BAPS also said it remained committed to “equality, mutual respect, and service to all, regardless of gender, background, or belief.”
The organisation had earlier apologised to anyone who may have been “hurt or inconvenienced” by the situation.
Paris Mayor orders investigation
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire said an investigation would be launched into the incident.
In a post on X, Gregoire said gender equality must apply “everywhere and to everyone” and vowed to ensure that it was upheld at the city's historic monuments.
Je prends connaissance du mouvement de colère des salarié·es de la tour Eiffel et je veux leur dire que leur mécontentement est légitime.
— Emmanuel Grégoire (@egregoire) September 7, 2026
Il n’est pas acceptable que de telles conditions puissent être tolérées. Ce ne sont ni mes valeurs, ni celles que doit porter la tour Eiffel,… https://t.co/3srttJpxPo
The company operating the Eiffel Tower had not immediately commented on the dispute.
Eiffel Tower has faced strikes before
The latest closure was not the first time industrial action has temporarily shut the Eiffel Tower.
In February 2024, the landmark was closed for six days after employees went on strike over concerns about maintenance of the historic structure and demands for higher wages.
The latest dispute comes as Paris hosts celebrations surrounding the inauguration of a traditional Hindu stone temple by BAPS.