Louvre Museum Staff to Launch Renewed Strike Over Working Conditions Starting December 15

The employees of the Louvre Museum in Paris are set to begin a renewable strike starting December 15, 2025, protesting against deteriorating working conditions, insufficient staffing, and management issues. All labor unions at the museum, including CFDT, CGT, and SUD, have unanimously voted in favor of the strike following a general assembly attended by about 200 staff members. The unions aim to pressure management within a week to address their demands.

Issues highlighted include frequent closures of museum spaces beyond the guaranteed opening schedule, largely due to understaffing and technical failures linked to the aging building infrastructure. The planned strike arises amid operational challenges such as the October 19 theft of crown jewels and the November 26 closure of the Campana Gallery due to fragile beams and water damage affecting hundreds of artworks.

Union representatives are calling for the creation of new permanent positions, especially in reception and security, as the museum plans to cut five full-time roles in these areas. Furthermore, consultations with the workplace psychologist have surged from 37 in 2022 to 146 in 2024, reflecting growing staff distress and workload pressures. Unions also criticize Director Laurence des Cars' strict, hierarchical governance style and perceived unapproachability.

This strike could be extended beyond the initial period as unions respond to management's handling of the museum's operational and human resources challenges. The dispute underscores broader concerns about preserving the Louvre’s cultural heritage amid internal organizational turmoil.