Paris' Eiffel Tower to reopen after six-day strike

France's Eiffel Tower that had been closed for six days by a strike will reopen Sunday after the monument's management announced a deal had been struck with unions.  

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France AFP - MIGUEL MEDINA

The stoppage since Monday at one of the world's best-known tourist sites was the second within two months in protest at what unions say was insufficient investment.

The tower's operator SETE said it had reached agreement with the unions on Saturday "under which the parties will regularly monitor the company's business model, investment in works and revenue through a body that will meet every six months".

With an aim to balance its books by 2025, both sides also agreed to see an investment of some €380 million up to 2031 toward works and maintenance of the tower, the statement said.

The unions have accused city hall of charging the Eiffel Tower's operator of a leasing fee that is too high, sapping funds for necessary maintenance work.

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On Thursday, SETE promised new measures to address these concerns, including hiking the price of tickets by 20 percent.

A ticket now costs €29.40 euros ($31) for an adult to take the lift to the summit, while those who climb up partway by stairs pay a little less.

SETE has since received a recapitalisation of €60 million, which unions say is insufficient given that major maintenance work is needed, including a fresh paint job.

SETE extended apologies to visitors caught in the strike action, which resulted in the loss of some 100,000 admissions.

The Eiffel Tower is closed as staff go on strike, over the financial management of the monument by the city, closing the monument to the public during the second week of the French school holidays, Paris on 19 February, 2024. © AFP - Kiran Ridley

The Eiffel Tower booked a shortfall of around €120 million ($130 million) during the Covid pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

Visitor numbers dropped sharply during Covid due to closures and travel restrictions, but recovered to 5.9 million in 2022 and 6.3 million last year.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati on Thursday suggested the Eiffel Tower be classified a "historical monument" to allow the state to help fund works if needed.

"The Eiffel Tower does not have enough protection," she posted on X.

The masterpiece by architect Gustave Eiffel has been repainted 19 times since it was built for the 1889 World Fair.

(with AFP)