On the centenary of Gustave Eiffel’s death, the Eiffel Tower in Paris closed its doors to the public due to a strike by its staff. The powerful CGT union in France stated that employees were protesting against the management of the iconic landmark. The strike, held on 27th December, was not a random choice: it commemorated the day Eiffel passed away in 1923 at the age of 91. This architectural wonder, completed in 1889, remains one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing in 5.85 million visitors per year; with 7% of them originating from the UK. While the tower’s operator, SETE, apologized for the strike and ensured that the esplanade beneath and around the structure remained accessible, individuals with electronic tickets were advised to check their emails for updates.
The CGT union justified the strike by claiming that SETE was on the verge of failure, citing an over-ambitious and unsustainable economic model. They argued that both the annual number of visitors and the costs of maintenance and renovation were grossly underestimated. Furthermore, the top floor of the Eiffel Tower is scheduled to be closed next month for several weeks for its annual refurbishment. However, despite the strike, celebrations honoring the iconic monument and its creator’s centenary are set to continue. A sound and light concert will be broadcasted on television and social media from the first floor of the tower, paying homage to Gustave Eiffel.
French President Emmanuel Macron also paid his respects to the accomplished engineer on X, formerly known as Twitter, by stating, “100 years since Gustave Eiffel left us. But his legacy to the world is very much alive!” Eiffel, who began his career as a civil engineer, gained recognition for his bridge and viaduct constructions for the French railway network. He also contributed to the construction of the Statue of Liberty. However, his most renowned achievement was the design of the Eiffel Tower, highlighting France’s modern industrial prowess during the 1889 Paris Exposition, also known as the world’s fair. This impressive architectural feat was erected in just over two years and became an iconic symbol of the French capital, captivating the imagination of people worldwide.
While the strike temporarily hinders visitors’ access to the Eiffel Tower, it brings attention to the concerns raised by the staff. This disruption prompts us to reflect on the challenges faced by these iconic landmarks and the importance of sustainable management to preserve their awe-inspiring legacy for generations to come. The strike also raises questions about visitor projections and financial models in the tourism industry, reminding us of the significance of accurate forecasting and responsible maintenance. Regardless, the Eiffel Tower endures as a testament to engineering brilliance, inspiring awe and admiration from visitors around the world.
