The Louvre museum in Paris did not admit visitors on the morning of December 15 — staff decided to stop work after a general assembly held two months after the high-profile robbery on October 19. The action was initiated by employees who point to systemic shortcomings in the organization of work and security.
Staff decision
At the meeting at least 400 employees unanimously voted to begin a strike. As a result, certain galleries could remain closed, or the entire institution could be shut for the day. Management drew up a list of employees who did not join the protest in order to determine the possibility of a limited opening.
In the morning a few dozen tourists waited at the entrance to be admitted to the exhibitions, but some staff advised them not to return until midday.
Unions' demands
Unions accuse the museum administration of deteriorating working conditions and a lack of resources, which became especially noticeable after the October theft. Representatives of the staff also complain of the ignoring of problems related to emergency incidents in the buildings.
Visiting the Louvre has become a real ordeal
– CGT, CFDT and SUD
The combined trade unions sent a letter to Culture Minister Rachida Dati on December 8 outlining their complaints and demands for improved conditions.
Gallery closures and damage to collections
After the high-profile robbery the museum was already forced to close one of its galleries in November due to the dilapidated state of the infrastructure. In addition, about two weeks ago there was a water leak in the building, as a result of which several hundred items in the Library of Egyptian Antiquities were damaged.
Workers and unions link these incidents to a lack of technical support and underfunding, which, they say, threatens the safety of the exhibits and staff.
