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Louvre Shuts After Staff Vote Open-Ended Strike

Unions demand resources after security failures expose staffing shortfalls.

Overview

  • About 400 employees voted unanimously to begin a reconductible strike, prompting a full closure on Monday with tickets automatically refunded.
  • Culture Minister Rachida Dati pledged to reverse a planned €5.7 million cut to the museum’s 2026 state subsidy, though unions report no other major concessions.
  • Philippe Jost has been tasked with leading a deep reorganization in January and February, with initial recommendations expected by the end of February 2026.
  • The labor action follows the October 19 theft of eight Crown jewels that exposed long‑flagged security gaps; the stolen items remain missing.
  • The museum is closed Tuesday for its weekly day off, and staff will vote Wednesday on whether to extend the strike as Senate hearings proceed with former and current leaders.