English
The Louvre museum in Paris has reached a landmark agreement with its unions, ending months of industrial action that repeatedly forced the iconic institution to close its doors. The deal, signed on Thursday, resolves a dispute over working conditions, staffing shortages, and concerns about how the museum handles major renovation plans.
“The signature of the agreement amounts to a positive step for the Louvre,” a museum spokesperson told AFP.
Stay connected to every major update — subscribe and follow us on the PhoenixQ website and across our social media platforms.
A Long-Running Dispute
The Louvre union deal brings an end to one of the longest labor standoffs in the museum’s history. Strikes began in December after a broad coalition of French unions walked out over poor working conditions, insufficient staff, and disagreements about planned renovations. The industrial action forced the museum to close entirely for four days and partially for another four days.
Meanwhile, unions maintained an official notice to continue protesting at any time, signaling they were not prepared to back down without meaningful concessions. The agreement comes as nationwide protests continue across France, with the next planned action scheduled for Saturday, October 31.
Key Terms of the Agreement
Under the new deal, the Louvre committed to hiring 50 new security personnel in 2027. In total, the museum plans to bring on approximately 100 new staff by 2028. In addition, the museum agreed to improve pay for certain worker categories, including a €50 ($56) monthly raise for security staff.
CGT union representative Christian Galani welcomed the staffing commitments. “The more of us there are carrying out our surveillance duties, the more we will deter criminals from targeting our institution,” he told AFP.
Renovation Plans Still Uncertain
The Louvre is currently raising funds for a renovation project estimated to cost over one billion dollars. The project includes security upgrades, repairs to the museum’s aging infrastructure, and a new dedicated entrance and gallery for the Mona Lisa. However, disagreements remain over the cost and scope of the work.
Union leaders want a direct role in shaping renovation decisions. “We will quickly ask for a meeting on the management and prioritization of the construction works,” said Alexis Fritche, leader of the CFDT-Culture union, speaking to Le Quotidien de l’Art. “We still have very little visibility on the safety and security plan announced in November 2025,” he added.
New Leadership Brings Calmer Relations
The dispute intensified following a daytime robbery at the Louvre last year. Thieves stole over $100 million worth of crown jewels from the museum. Shortly after, Louvre president Laurence des Cars resigned amid staff criticism that she ignored concerns about the building’s condition and lack of personnel.
The museum’s newly appointed president, Christophe Leribault, appears to have eased some of those tensions. His arrival helped create the conditions for Thursday’s agreement, marking a significant shift in the relationship between museum management and its workforce.
