{
  "id": 6225763,
  "title": "Eiffel Tower Closed As Staff Goes On Strike After Women Employees Allege Being Sidelined During BAPS Visit",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/eiffel-tower-closed-as-staff-goes-on-strike-after-women-employees",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-08T02:47:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/eiffel-tower-closed-as-staff-goes-on-strike-after-women-employees-allege-being-sidelined-during-baps-visit"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Paris: The famed Eiffel Tower closed its doors on Monday after a group of employees went on strike over allegations that female workers were being sidelined during a private visit by a Hindu delegation linked to BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha). The controversy arose following the delegation's visit to the Paris landmark last week, drawing around 100 members. Women Employees Claim Side-lined Employees accused management of issuing directives that effectively sidelined women during the delegation's visit. In a statement, staff alleged that women were instructed to \"make themselves invisible\" while the group was present. Some were reportedly asked to abandon their usual duties and move to different areas, with male colleagues taking their place in certain locations. Women were also allegedly barred from entering or crossing specific zones while the delegation was there. Eiffel Tower's Operator Acknowledges Fault SETE, the operating company of the Eiffel Tower, acknowledged that the delegation had requested arrangements meant to limit interactions with women. However, the company stated that such conditions should never have been accepted, describing them as inconsistent with its values and the principle of equality between men and women. SETE's president, Ariel Weil, called the reported practice unacceptable and reiterated the landmark's commitment to France's republican values and gender equality. BAPS Responds to the Controversy BAPS responded to the allegations by expressing understanding and concern over the employees' grievances, taking them seriously. The organization said the visit had been coordinated with Eiffel Tower teams due to the size of the delegation and had been scheduled early in the day to minimize disruption. To its knowledge, no one had been denied access to the landmark. BAPS also expressed sincere apologies to anyone hurt or inconvenienced by the situation, reaffirming its commitment to mutual respect and service. Political Reactions The incident sparked reactions in France. Far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen criticized the reported arrangements, stating that France would never accept restrictions on women's presence. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire also backed the protesting employees, stating that concerns were legitimate and an investigation would be launched to establish the facts.",
  "summary": "Paris: Staff at the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris went on strike on Monday following allegations that female employees were asked to step aside, leave their posts or avoid certain areas during a private visit by a Hindu religious delegation linked to BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha). The controversy erupted after around 100 members of the delegation visited the Paris…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Eiffel Tower staff walk out after women told to ‘make themselves invisible’ during BAPS Hindu visit",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/eiffel-tower-staff-walk-out-after-women-told-to-make-themselves",
        "published": "2026-09-08T00:48:58.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}