Staff go on 'unlimited strike' at Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy

Workers at Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy are on an ‘unlimited strike’ for better pay, improved working conditions and more staff to manage the busy summer season.

Staff at the famous landmark announced the strike action with no definitive end date, and began walkouts on Tuesday (December 26).

No guided tours took place at the UNESCO World Heritage site on December 28, however admission to the island was made free for visitors.

Negotiations between ticket staff and the Monuments Historiques group, which manages the site, have been ongoing for months, however talks have reportedly reached a standstill.

More staff, better pay, among demands

“We are calling for new staff to be taken on: at least four to strengthen the team of guides, as well as one to support site maintenance,” said one worker at the site.

“We're also asking that the arduous nature of the work be taken into account,” she added.

Unions backing the workers have also demanded for staff to be hired on full-time CDI (Contrat de travail à durée indéterminée) contracts, rather than temporary contracts.

Around 1.5million people visited Mont-Saint-Michel in 2023, making it one of the most popular sites in France. A third of these visits came during the summer holidays, which can lead to overcrowding.

Earlier this year the site tested a scheme to help prevent overtourism and crowding.

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