What's going on?
The hugely popular Louvre in Paris did not open its doors on Monday after the museum's reception and security staff announced they were staging a walkout due to overcrowding and a decline in the number of staff.
CGT-Culture National Secretary Christian Galani said that workers had made the decision after a discussion of grievances during a training session on Monday morning.
Thousands of tourists queuing outside the world famous museum – which houses the Mona Lisa among many other works – were left disappointed.
⚠ Museum closed today ⚠
Due to a recent increase in visitor numbers, members of the Musée du Louvre’s Reception and Security staff are exercising their right to strike. The museum will therefore remain closed all day today (May 27, 2019).
— Musée du Louvre (@MuseeLouvre) May 27, 2019
Why exactly are the unions and staff angry?
In 2018, more than 10.2 million people visited the Louvre.
“This represents an increase of 20 percent since 2009, but the palace has not grown,” said the union, adding that during this time the number of staff members has decreased.
The union claims that since 2009, visitor number have increased while staff numbers have dropped from 2,161 to 2,005.
The union said that staff members are “dismayed” by the “shameful image we give of our establishment”, adding that the overcrowded conditions are a danger to the public.
“But to date, no urgent, concrete measures nor any solutions have been brought to us,” said the statement, adding that the staff are forced to deal with visitors who are angry about the conditions of the Louvre
“What to say about visiting conditions when people are confronted with noise, trampling, crowds, extreme fatigue and the total inadequacy of museum facilities when there is such a high volume of visitors? We refuse to continue to be insulted by the angry public!”
The staff have decided to return to the job for the time being, after management proposed taking steps to improve the situation.
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