In protest of the Hindu delegation’s visit, Eiffel Tower workers moved from their location, causing the staff to protest.
The staff of the Eiffel Tower in Paris has raised objections after they were forced to relocate some women workers to other parts of the monument during a private visit by a Hindu religious group.
About 100 people from the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) visited the landmark on Saturday.
The delegation had asked for provisions to be made to minimise contact with women employees during the visit, the Eiffel Tower’s operating company SETE said. The company subsequently admitted that the conditions should not have been accepted.
Some women were requested to have been transferred from their regular duties and to work in other parts of the tower and some duties were filled by male staff temporarily, employees said. Additionally, during the delegation’s visit, female workers were reportedly instructed not to use certain areas.
The incident caused a stir among staff who were angered and asked for an explanation as to how the arrangements were approved.
Later, BAPS apologised for any inconvenience caused by the visit. The organisation said that the arrangements had been discussed with the team of the Eiffel Tower due to the number of participants and to avoid disturbing other visitors. It added it was not aware of anyone being barred from entering the attraction.
French political leaders also have criticized the controversy.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire stated that the employees’ concerns were legitimate and an investigation into the case would be opened.
National Assembly President Yael Braun-Pivet also denounced the decision, arguing that the plans for visiting groups should not clash with France’s values regarding women’s involvement in public life.
After talks with the Eiffel Tower employees and managers, SETE said the tower should be able to reopen.
The controversy has sparked larger questions in France regarding equality in the workplace and whether private visitors can set such conditions that impact employees on the basis of gender.
Source: Aaj News
