Patrick Branco Ruivo, the CEO of the Eiffel Tower operating company (SETE), will resign from his position at the end of this year. This decision follows a controversial incident in September 2023 where female staff were removed due to a visit by a Hindu religious group to the Eiffel Tower.
Details of the Incident and Its Consequences
An independent investigation revealed that during the visit of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a Hindu religious organization, female staff were unjustly barred from attending the visit. This action led to a strike by Eiffel Tower staff on September 7, resulting in the closure of this famous tourist attraction for one day.
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Following this incident, the management of the Eiffel Tower described the situation as "unacceptable" in a statement and apologized for their mistake in removing female staff from the third floor of the tower. The statement emphasized that management had instructed female staff to avoid contact with representatives of the religious group.
Reactions to the Incident
The BAPS organization, recognized as an international religious and civil entity, strongly denied the claims and stated that no specific request was made by them to remove or conceal female staff. In the organization's statement, it was noted: "The religious practices of our monks had been explained to the management of the Eiffel Tower in advance. These spiritual commitments are personal, and there is no need to remove women from places they visit."
This incident drew severe criticism from French officials and sparked a broader discussion about gender equality in workplaces. Ariel Weil, the president of SETE, announced that the company has plans to implement training and promote gender equality, and a separate protocol section will be established following the investigations.
The Eiffel Tower, standing at 330 meters, attracts around 7 million visitors annually, and this incident will clearly have a negative impact on the image of this tourist attraction. As the tower is a symbol of France and global tourism, this matter has received significant media and public attention.
Ultimately, Patrick Branco Ruivo, who has served in this position since late 2018, is nearing the end of his management tenure at one of the world's most famous tourist attractions with this decision. This management change may be seen as a step towards improving working conditions and promoting a culture of equality in workplaces.
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