PARIS (AP) — Workers went on strike Thursday at the five-star hotel in Paris where members of the International Olympic Committee 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 r.