Eiffel Tower workers protest after female staff removed during Hindu delegation visit

Female employees at the Eiffel Tower were reportedly asked to leave their workstations during a private visit by a 100-person Hindu religious delegation from the BAPS group on Saturday, according to union representatives. This incident led to a staff protest, causing the monument to close on Monday as employees met to discuss the matter. Union representative Diane Davoine stated, "As the delegation passed through, women were asked to leave their workstations so that men could take their places." Paris city authorities have launched an investigation, with Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire calling for "all light be shed on the facts." BAPS apologized for any inconvenience, while National Assembly President Yael Braun-Pivet emphasized, "Welcoming others never means giving up our values."