Paris, Oct 17 (UNI) One of France’s most famous cultural monuments, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, was closed to visitors on Tuesday due to a strike by its staff, French media reported.
Workers at the facility have gone on strike demanding higher wages and better working conditions amid a growing influx of tourists, the BFMTV broadcaster reported. In particular, they cite staff shortages, as there is no one to replace absent workers, while the majority of employees work on short-term contracts.
The lack of sufficient signage at the monument is another cause for concern. This means that staff have to answer the same questions daily and give one-size-fits-all explanations to tourists.
The broadcaster added that 1.7 million people visited the Arc de Triomphe in 2022. In 2023 and 2024, however, Paris authorities are expecting a new influx of tourists as the city hosts two major sporting events — the ongoing 2023 Rugby World Cup from September 8 to October 28, and the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics.
