Center Pompidou Closes Amid Strike for Olympic Bonuses
The renowned Center Pompidou in Paris, a significant modern art museum, has closed its doors this Saturday due to a social movement initiated by the FO union. The strike is aimed at securing a daily bonus for agents who will be working during the upcoming Olympic Games.
“Due to a social movement, the Center Pompidou and the Pompidou library are closed today, Saturday July 6. Today's tickets paid by credit card will be refunded automatically,” the Center announced on the social network X (formerly Twitter). Philippe Mahé, secretary of the FO staff union at the Center Pompidou, explained the reasons behind the strike, citing the overload of work expected during the Olympics. “The flame will pass through the square on July 14, we are one of the establishments which will not be closed during the Olympics, there may be reports from the public about us,” Mahé added.
Strike Notices and Government Response
A strike notice has been filed for the period from July 1 to September 8, with ongoing discussions between the union and management. Mahé emphasized the uncertainty of the situation: “Today we are on strike, we cannot promise anything for tomorrow, we will see if there has been any progress.” A spokesperson for the institution clarified that since the Pompidou Center is not an Olympic site and has not been forced to cancel leave for its agents during this period, the public service system for additional bonuses does not apply to them.
On June 23, the government published regulations allowing for the payment of additional bonuses up to 1,500 euros to several categories of civil servants mobilized for the Olympic Games from July 26 to August 11 and the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8.
Broader Implications for Cultural Institutions
The National Union of Museums and Estates CGT-Culture has also filed a strike notice running from March 21 to October 8, addressing demands related to working conditions and remuneration during this period. This broader movement suggests that the issues at the Center Pompidou are part of a larger concern among cultural institutions in France regarding the impact of the Olympic Games on their operations and staff.
- The strike at the Center Pompidou highlights the broader challenges faced by cultural institutions in Paris as they prepare for the influx of visitors and activities associated with the Olympic Games. The demands for additional compensation reflect the anticipated increase in workload and the need for adequate support for staff during this busy period.
- The government's decision to provide bonuses to certain categories of civil servants underscores the recognition of the additional efforts required during the Olympics. However, the exclusion of institutions like the Pompidou Center from this scheme has led to dissatisfaction and industrial action. As discussions continue, the outcome of these negotiations will be closely watched by other cultural institutions facing similar challenges.
