The Eiffel Tower reopened to visitors on Sunday after a six-day closure due to striking employees demanding better maintenance of the historic landmark, which showed traces of rust and salary hikes. The operator of the 330-meter (1,083-foot) tower announced an agreement with unions representing the workers after committing to a 380 million euro investment by 2031 for renovation work. Salary negotiations were also launched this week, with employees on strike demanding an increase proportionate to revenue from ticket sales.
The 135-year-old tower will play a significant role in the upcoming Paris Games from July 26 to August 11, as well as the subsequent Paralympics. Medals for the Olympic and Paralympic games in Paris will contain pieces from a hexagonal chunk of iron taken from the historic landmark. Typically open 365 days a year, the Eiffel Tower closed for 10 days last year during widespread protests across France against the government’s pension reform plan.