Paris museum strike continues

SOME of Paris's most popular museums and monuments could remain closed this week as staff continue their strike action.

Workers at the Musée d'Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, the Louvre and the Château de Versailles have been on strike since Wednesday.

They are protesting against budget cuts and a policy by the government to only replace half of staff when they retire.

The problem has hit the Pompidou Centre particularly hard, because it has a large number of staff over the age of 50. The centre has been closed since November 23.

Most museums - with the exception of the Pompidou Centre - were open to the public at the weekend despite the strike action, helped by part-time and temporary staff.

Many of the museums affected by the strike are closed on Mondays. Meetings between staff and management are due to take place today, which will decide whether the action continues.

The Louvre by Guillaume Cattiaux