The Louvre closed to tourists. Employees: we fight for decent conditions

A significant number of Louvre workers at a meeting on Monday morning supported the call for a strike that day, trade unions said. The museum's management told AFP that the museum would be closed throughout Monday.

After the decision to join the strike, several dozen employees placed a banner in front of the famous pyramid in the courtyard of the Louvre with the slogan “The Louvre is fighting for decent working conditions, a pay rise, more staff.” The banner added that the reason for the protest was the poor condition of the building.

🇫🇷 Louvre workers went on strike on Monday due to security failures, overcrowding and poor working conditions.

Watch the video for more 👇 pic.twitter.com/nPsrfx6Tu4

— FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) December 15, 2025

– The security of this facility and the renovation of the building should be addressed immediately. Jobs must be created. In 15 years we have lost 200 places, while the number of visitors has increased by half, said Christian Galani, representative of the CGT trade union.

The decision to strike was made on Monday morning at a meeting attended by approximately 400 employees. Trade unions said that meeting participants unanimously voted for strike action on Monday, with the possibility of extension. According to the CFDT trade union headquarters, not only reception and supervisory workers, but also lawyers, graphic designers and support services joined the protest.

The Louvre is always closed on Tuesdays. Another staff meeting is scheduled for Wednesday.

The reason for the protest is the deteriorating working conditions. Trade unions complain, among others: to staff overload, especially in the reception and supervision departments. The museum's staff numbers – according to various sources – 2,200-2,500 people. The Louvre is visited by approximately 30,000 people every day. people.

The situation at the Louvre, and especially the security of its collections, came into the spotlight after a daring break-in in October, when the perpetrators stole the crown jewels of enormous historical value. The protests come at a difficult time when the Louvre must implement corrective measures and face questions about the negligence that made the burglary possible.

On Friday, Culture Minister Rachida Dati entrusted the task of reorganizing the museum to Philippe Jost, who was previously responsible for the reconstruction of Notre Dame Cathedral. Jost will work with the director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, for the first months of 2026.

From Paris Anna Wróbel (PAP)

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