Eiffel Tower Shuts Down As Staff Protest Removal Of Female Workers During Hindu Delegation Visit

Paris: The famous Eiffel Tower of Paris had to be closed for visitors on Monday. This step was taken after the employees walked off the job and protested. Employees alleged that some women employees were removed from their work stations during the visit of a Hindu religious group associated with Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) on Saturday.

According to a report, SETE, the company that operates the Eiffel Tower, said that the tower was closed due to unusual circumstances. This matter came to light when a delegation of about 100 people associated with BAPS had reached the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The group was on tour following the inauguration of a new temple in France.

Why were the women employees removed?

Union representative Diane Devoin told French TV that female employees were removed from their work stations as their members passed by during the delegation's visit on Saturday.

The employees criticised the alleged instructions, saying that segregating women on the basis of their gender and replacing them with male employees is not acceptable. On Monday, employees protested over this issue, due to which the Eiffel Tower had to be closed for visitors.

Did BAPS set any conditions for women employees?

SETE acknowledged that there was a request from the Hindu delegation to keep interactions with women to a minimum during the visit. However, the company clarified that such terms should not have been accepted.

This became the main cause of controversy. Employees say that women employees should not be treated differently on the basis of demands of any religious or cultural group.

What did BAPS say on the controversy?

On Monday evening, a statement was issued by the BAPS Hindu Temple in Paris expressing regret over the matter. The organisation said it took the concerns raised seriously and apologised for any inconvenience or discomfort caused.

According to BAPS, due to the large number of the delegation, the tour in collaboration with the Eiffel Tower team was scheduled just around the normal starting time so as not to disturb other visitors. The organisation also said that as per its knowledge no person was stopped from entering the Eiffel Tower.

BAPS in its statement expressed its belief in the universal values ​​of mutual respect and service.

How did the mayor of Paris react?

Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire responded to the matter on the social media platform X. He said that he is aware of the dispute that took place among the employees of the Eiffel Tower. He termed it unacceptable to accept such conditions regarding women employees.

Amid the controversy over the operation of the Eiffel Tower and protests by employees, it has sparked new debate over gender equality, religious demands and workplace discrimination.