Louvre strike ends after 11 months

Unions at the Louvre have reached an agreement with its new director, Christophe Leribault, ending a long period of social mobilization that led to the museum's temporary closure and the resignation of its former director.

Strike impact and previous director's resignation

The strike lasted nearly eight days in total and contributed to the resignation of the previous director, Laurence des Cars. Employees had raised concerns about staffing, salaries, and the preservation of the museum’s building, which they argued had shown weaknesses after a theft in October 2025.

Employee demands and concerns

Employees called for more staff, better pay, and improved conditions, citing that a third of the museum's rooms remain closed due to a lack of personnel. They also criticized the previous management for rigid communication and wanted changes like shorter shifts, more restrooms, and fairer salaries compared to other cultural institutions.

New director's commitments

Christophe Leribault has pledged to add 50 new positions for reception and security by 2027, and another 50 by 2028. He also committed to prioritizing building preservation and increasing the annual salary of security staff by 600 euros.

Union perspectives and ongoing challenges

Nathalie Ramos of CGT Culture said the new management has improved communication and trust, but emphasized that significant work remains. The Louvre faces budget cuts in the 2027 finance bill and must complete its Louvre Renaissance renovation project, which is estimated to cost 1 billion euros.

Museum's response to the agreement

The Louvre’s management described the agreement as a positive step but did not provide further details about its implications or next steps.