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Louvre Staff Call Indefinite Strike From Dec. 15 After Flood Damages Hundreds of Documents

Unions point to deteriorating conditions, with a demand for direct talks with Culture Minister Rachida Dati.

Overview

  • Three unions — CFDT, CGT and Sud — urged an open‑ended walkout starting December 15, citing worsening working conditions and strained resources.
  • Union leaders warned of staffing shortages and technical failures that restrict access to galleries and delay openings for visitors.
  • A Louvre official confirmed 300 to 400 documents were soaked on November 26 when an erroneously opened valve sent dirty water from aging pipes into the Egyptian Department’s library.
  • The museum’s board approved a €119 million 2026 budget, including €17.5 million for building renovation and under €2 million for a security master plan, drawing staff criticism over priorities.
  • This autumn’s security concerns also include the October 19 theft of nine jewelry pieces valued at an estimated €88 million, with several arrests and charges filed in the case.