Eiffel Tower Reopens Following Six-Day Closure
After a six-day closure, the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris has reopened to the public. The closure resulted from negotiations between the tower's operator, SETE, and the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) union, representing the workers. An agreement was reached on a substantial €380 million (approximately $412 million) investment by 2031. The parties will establish a body to monitor the company's business model, investment in works, and revenue, meeting every six months.
France's Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, proposed classifying the Eiffel Tower as a historical monument, allowing state funding for necessary maintenance and improvements. Negotiations between SETE and the CGT union also include discussions on salary raises, expected to be finalized in March.
Workers had demanded increased investments in the 134-year-old landmark, which had been overdue for maintenance, along with proportional salary raises tied to revenue from ticket sales. The Eiffel Tower, a popular attraction receiving over 7 million visitors annually, closed for one day in December to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its designer Gustave Eiffel's death.
Typically open 365 days a year, the Eiffel Tower is gearing up for increased visibility during the Summer Olympic Games in Paris from July 26 to August 11 and the subsequent Paralympics. Paris anticipates over 3 million visitors, contributing upwards of €4 billion during the Games.