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2024.07.26 17:10 GMT+8

Workers go on strike at five-star Paris hotel where IOC members are staying for Olympics

Updated 2024.07.26 17:10 GMT+8
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Security personnel are patrolling the Seine river in Paris, France,July 25, 2024. /CFP

Workers went on strike Thursday at the five-star hotel in Paris where members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are staying, walking out just a day before the opening ceremony of the Games.

According to the major French union CGT, the IOC paid the hotel where staffers were striking, Hôtel du Collectionneur, 22 million euros ($23.88 million) for exclusive use of the facility.

The Paris division of the CGT posted a video on social media appearing to be from inside the hotel, showing around a dozen staffers lining a corridor. Employees held signs reading, "No 13th month, no Olympics!" "Luxury hotel, poverty wages" and "Give us back our social benefits." Many companies in France pay their workers a bonus in December known as the "13th month."

The CGT said the employees were demanding a pay increase, having not received a raise for seven years. The strike comes after a fifth round of negotiations failed Wednesday.

"Negotiations with the unions are underway, without affecting the operation of our hotel," management for Hôtel du Collectionneur said in a statement Thursday.

"Our teams remain mobilized and committed to ensuring that our services run smoothly."

Although a dividend of over 9.5 million euros ($10.3 million) was given to shareholders this year, the union says the hotel has made no attempt to improve the financial situation of its staff.

In a separate protest, around 200 performers stood along the Seine River on Monday and refused to take part in a rehearsal for the opening ceremony being held Friday, protesting working conditions and inequality in the treatment of entertainment workers at the Paris games.

Source(s): AP
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