In the wake of a daylight robbery that saw pieces of the French crown jewels stolen from the Louvre, workers at the world’s most‑visited museum voted to strike, citing long‑standing concerns over staffing, security and working conditions.
Strike Vote and Immediate Impact
The CFDT union announced that a meeting of 400 workers on Monday morning resulted in a decision to strike for the day. The museum did not open as scheduled and turned away visitors. A notice on the Louvre’s website stated that the museum was closed “for the moment.”
Background: Talks with Culture Minister
The vote followed talks held the previous week between labor unions and government officials, including Culture Minister Rachida Dati. Labor leaders said the discussions had not resolved all worries about staffing levels and financial support for the museum.
Root Causes: Staffing, Security, and Working Conditions
Alexis Fritche, general secretary of the culture wing of the CFDT union, said, “Visiting the museum has become an obstacle course,” highlighting how crowding and thin staffing undermine both security and working conditions for employees who serve millions of visitors each year.
The 2025 Jewelry Heist
Thieves used a basket lift to reach the Louvre’s facade, forced a window, smashed display cases, and fled with pieces of the French crown jewels. The robbery occurred on Oct. 26, 2025, and exposed serious vulnerabilities in the museum’s protection.
Senate Inquiry Findings
A Senate inquiry released last week stated that the thieves escaped with barely 30 seconds to spare. The report cited broken cameras, outdated equipment, understaffed control rooms, and poor coordination that initially sent police to the wrong location.
Key Takeaways
- Workers at the Louvre voted to strike for the day after a daylight jewelry heist.
- The union cited staffing shortages, broken cameras, and inadequate security equipment.
- A Senate inquiry highlighted coordination failures that allowed thieves to escape.
The strike underscores ongoing tensions between museum staff and authorities, and raises questions about how the Louvre will address its security and staffing challenges in the coming months.
