The Eiffel Tower, emblem of Paris and a favorite destination, particularly during the school vacations, has been at the heart of a union mobilization since February 19, 2024. The strike lasted six days, during which time the Iron Lady was closed to tourists. After months of tension, the unions challenged the financial management of the Société d'exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (Sete) by the Paris City Council. Finally, the Tower will reopen to the public this Sunday, February 25!
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In a press release, the Sete indicated that management and the trade unions had reached"an end-of-strike agreement stipulating that the parties will regularly monitor the company'seconomic model, the evolution of investments in works and revenues through a body that will meet every 6 months". This body will include staff representatives, the City of Paris - the monument's shareholder - and SETE management, with the aim of returning the company to financial equilibrium by 2025.
Paris City Hall, which holds 99% of Sete's capital, has been criticized for its management since the current contract was signed in 2017, valid until 2030. The unions point the finger at a poor financial assessment, with underestimated work costs and revenue forecasts based on annual attendance of 7.4 million visitors, a target never reached to date. They describe the current business model as " over-ambitious and untenable ", jeopardizing the future of this historic monument.
An ambitious investment of 380 million euros is also planned up to 2031, in particular for work on and maintenance of the Tower's assets, as well as the continuation of the 20th painting campaign and the start of the next one. Visitors with time-stamped tickets will receive automatic full refunds as soon as possible, according to the company.
Paris: the Eiffel Tower is in an advanced state of rust - is the monument under threat?
In the midst of a strike, the Eiffel Tower is also threatened by an advanced state of rust! While the Iron Lady may not collapse in the next few days, her life expectancy could be shortened by this deterioration, images of which are worrying Internet users. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
On February 25, 2024
Location
Eiffel Tower
Avenue Gustave Eiffel
75007 Paris 7
Access
Metro and RER: Line 6 or 9 "Trocadéro" station Line 6 "Bir-Hakeim" station RER C "Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel" station
Official website
www.toureiffel.paris
Paris: the Eiffel Tower is in an advanced state of rust - is the monument under threat?
