Louvre Workers Declare Strike, Pointing to Security Issues After Jewel Theft

Workers at the Louvre Vote to Strike Over Conditions

PARIS (AP) – Employees at the Louvre have decided to strike starting next Monday, expressing concerns over working conditions, rising ticket prices for non-European visitors, and security issues, particularly following the recent theft of France’s crown jewels.

In a letter addressed to the French culture minister, which was shared with the Associated Press, several unions, including CGT, CFDT, and Sud, stated that visiting the Louvre has become increasingly challenging for the millions who come to enjoy its extensive collection of art.

The unions emphasized in their notice to Culture Minister Rashida Dati that the museum is facing a “crisis,” with a notable decline in resources and worsening working conditions.

Highlighting the security flaws, the unions pointed to the robbery on October 19, which resulted in the theft of approximately 88 million euros (around $102 million). Acknowledging this incident, the museum’s director admitted there had been a “terrible failure” in security measures. The thieves reportedly managed to enter the museum in less than eight minutes, using a cargo lift and an angle grinder to access a jewelry display case, then escaping on a motorcycle.

The stolen items included a diamond and emerald necklace given by Napoleon to Empress Marie-Louise, jewels worn by two queens of the 19th century, and Empress Eugenie’s pearl and diamond tiara, which have yet to be recovered.

As one of France’s premier tourist sites, the maintenance of the museum, which was once a royal palace, has struggled to keep pace with its popularity.

Recently, a water leak damaged hundreds of publications in the museum’s library dedicated to Egyptian archaeology. This incident occurred on November 26, when a valve malfunctioned in the water pipe network, which is slated for replacement next year.

Last month, the Louvre announced it would temporarily shut down some staff offices and a public gallery due to issues with weakened floor beams.

The unions noted that outdated facilities and a lack of staff are affecting the experience for visitors and leading to the closure of certain exhibits. They are calling for increased resources to enhance the building and safeguard the museum, its collections, visitors, and employees.

“We are in a dilapidated museum, where security weaknesses are exposed,” Christian Galani, a representative from the CGT union, remarked in an interview. He mentioned that the strike vote taken on Monday morning was unanimous, and a planned staged strike could force the museum to completely close.