The iconic Louvre Museum in Paris is on the brink of closure this week as trade unions call for a strike. The strike, which begins on Monday, is a response to the museum's dire need for urgent renovations, a lack of adequate staffing, and a controversial decision to increase ticket prices for non-EU visitors. The Louvre, the world's most-visited museum, has been grappling with a series of challenges in recent months, including a high-profile jewel heist, a damaging water leak, and safety concerns over a gallery ceiling. These issues have left the museum's workforce feeling overwhelmed and under-resourced, with staff cuts and state underinvestment exacerbating the situation. The unions argue that the museum's decision to raise ticket prices by 45% for non-EU visitors is discriminatory and unfair, especially considering the current state of the museum's facilities. The strike, involving the CGT, Sud, and CFDT unions, highlights the staff's sentiment that they are the 'last bastion before collapse'. The recent jewel robbery, which resulted in the theft of an estimated €88 million worth of French crown jewels, has brought to light years of accumulated problems, including neglect in building renovation and security measures. The French state auditor has criticized the museum for the 'woefully inadequate pace' of security upgrades, and a senior police officer described the situation as 'stunning'. The strike is a desperate measure to address these long-standing issues and ensure the museum's safety and accessibility for all visitors.
