The Louvre museum in Paris, France is housing something other than impressive works of art these days. Museum staff have recently taken to the entrance of the iconic monument to protest pension reforms in France. Visitors to the Louvre have been affected by the protests, leading to questions about the situation and its repercussions. Here is a closer look at what’s been happening at the Louvre as part of a larger pension movement, and what to expect if you’re heading toward the site.
Background on the Pension Protest
France is amidst a huge pension reform plan proposed by President Emmanuel Macron, which the Union of Musicians and Artists (UMA) are protesting vigorously. One of their chosen methods of protest is to disrupt access to the Louvre, most likely due to its prominence and likelihood of international press coverage of the action.
The UMA consists of about 400 Louvre employees, ranging from curators to ushers to event personnel. They are part of a larger union, the CGT Confédération Générale du Travail, drawing from more than 500,000 workers in France.
In the UMA’s protest statement, they say:
“The aim of our protest is to obtain a guaranteed pension for all Louvre employees. We hope to raise public awareness of the injustice of the pension reform, systemic erosion of the retirement regime and the deterioration of working conditions in the museum, which we have been witnessing for a long time.”
Reason Behind Their Protest
The union UMA is calling for the reform to be withdrawn entirely but they are seeking to ensure that the Louvre staff experience no further loss of pension benefits or retirement rights.
The underlying motivation for the protest is to pressure President Macron to act on the pension reforms. The UMA stated, “The government reform has made it difficult for employees of the Louvre to retire with a decent pension and our demands are simple: we require the same rights to retirement for all public sector employees.”
The union is also attempting to draw attention to their underlying message that the reform of the French pension system offers little to no benefit to those it will directly affect – the staff of the Louvre.
How Louvre Staff are Protesting
Since the start of the pension protests, members of the UMA have been blocking access to entrances of popular galleries of the Louvre. Anywhere from 15 to 50 employees have been standing in front of the museum’s main entrances, attempting to prevent visitors from entering.
The blocked entrances are impacting lines of people who have places to go and things to do. Those entering the Louvre include those with tickets, family members, tourists, and more.
This is the most visible method of protest for the union. They are hoping to draw attention to the government’s chaotic pension reform which could leave Louvre staff with inadequate pension rights. It is also a way to show how the French government’s reforms may leave all French workers worse off, not just those employed with the Louvre.
What Visitors Should Expect When Going to the Louvre
Those who are visiting the Louvre who can anticipate participating in the strike and protests due to the blocking of entrances by members of the UMA, who have been protesting the pension reforms since December 2018. This blockading has impacted lines of people attempting to enter the popular galleries.
The UMA has said they will remove the blockade when the French government replies to their demands. Until then, the blockades will remain in place.
It is notable to understand that the employees of the Louvre are within their right to participate in strikes and protests, as is any worker and citizen of France. The French culture is strongly supportive of the right of peaceful assemblies.
Museum’s Response to the Protest
The Louvre Museum has responded to the protests and have stepped in to avoid ticket holders from joining the protest. They released a statement saying: “We regret the inconvenience caused by the facts of the movement, but we pay very close attention the ongoing negotiations and will take the appropriate action to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the museum for our visitors and staff.”
What to Do When Visiting the Site
If you’re visiting the Louvre, anticipate the potential of delays and waiting times as the UMA continues to block access to the most popular areas of the museum.
Here are a few steps to consider in order to make your experience smoother:
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Check the Louvre Museum’s website to see if any specific galleries are inaccessible due to the blockades.
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Arrive early to avoid long lines at the entrances.
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Ask the staff on site to determine if any galleries at the museum have been blocked off.
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Try to get your tickets online or in advance to cut down on waiting time.
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Make a list of the galleries or attractions you’d like to see during your visit and prioritize the order in which you’ll see them.
Ultimately, what visitors can do to make the most of their experience is stay informed about the happenings at the museum. It is advisable to keep your cellphone charged and ready for the latest news on the status of the entrances, as well as possible schedule changes, rate updates, and access levels from the Louvre Museum.
Visiting the Louvre can be a captivating, once-in-a-lifetime experience, and one shouldn’t let the current pension protests deter them from exploring all the Louvre has to offer. The staff at the museum are passionate about the beauty of their work and do their best to make every visit unforgettable. Knowing what to expect upon your visit, and having a strategy in place, are key to making the most of this one-of-a-kind experience.
