LOUVRE MUSEUM SHUT DOWN AS STAFF GO ON STRIKE OVER CROWDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The world's most-visited museum, the Louvre Museum in Paris, was forced to close its doors on Monday after the staff went on strike over the unbearable working conditions and overwhelming crowds. The strike, which began suddenly during an internal meeting, saw gallery attendants, ticket agents, and security personnel refuse to work.

According to reports, the main reason behind the strike is the growing number of tourists that have made the museum's facilities almost unbearable. Tourists were left waiting outside for hours under the iconic glass pyramid, holding their tickets in frustration, as they could not access the exhibits due to limited staff.

The situation has become so dire that even with efforts by French President Emmanuel Macron's administration to address crowds and working conditions, the workers are demanding urgent action. In a statement, Sarah Sefian from the CGT-Culture union said, "It's not just about the art, it's about the people protecting it."

The museum had welcomed 8.7 million visitors in 2023, double its original capacity, putting immense pressure on its staff and infrastructure. The recent announcement of a 10-year renovation plan to address these issues was met with skepticism by the workers who feel that they cannot wait six years for help.

The renovation plan includes measures such as time-based entry for the Mona Lisa exhibit and a new entrance near the Seine River, but it is unclear when this project will begin. However, critics of Macron's administration are questioning why his promised renovations do not come with immediate funding to address the pressing needs of the museum's staff.

"We make speeches in our museum, but the state gives less money every year," said Sefian, highlighting a disturbing trend where basic funding for cultural institutions has decreased significantly despite increasing attendance.