Eiffel Tower shuts down as workers strike, tourists turned away

"They are giving priority to short-term benefits over long-term conservation of the monument and the well-being of the company we are working for."

"They are giving priority to short-term benefits over long-term conservation of the monument and the well-being of the company we are working for."

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The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, also known as one of the world's most visited sites, closed on Monday due to its staff going on strike for the second time since December.

Sky News reports that workers are demanding an increase in salary after ticket sales have increased and overall maintenance of the monument has been better.

A sign at the front entrance written in English read: "Due to strike, the Eiffel Tower is closed. We apologise."

Potential tourists were also warned on its official website that a "disruption" may occur.

The CGT union which represents a large portion of the staff at the monument blamed poor financial management and a flawed business model for the discrepancy in pay. They allege that management at the Paris municipality does not have an accurate estimate of visitors, maintenance costs and staff compensation.

"They are giving priority to short-term benefits over long-term conservation of the monument and the well-being of the company we are working for," said union leader Stephane Dieu.

Marisa Solis, a tourist from New York City said: "We're a little disappointed but we understand that people deserve a fair wage and they deserve proper working conditions."

"Knowing that I can't come to the tower today is very, very disappointing," said another American tourist, Morgan McKenny, who was visiting to celebrate her birthday.
 

Image: Title: eiffel tower

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