Louvre museum continues to remain shut

Paris’ Louvre Museum remained closed at 0800 GMT on Wednesday as staff continued talks on whether to extend an ongoing strike over pay and working conditions. The strike began on Monday and has disrupted access to the world’s most-visited museum. The labour action follows a series of incidents that have raised concerns about security and infrastructure at the museum. These include a major jewel theft in October and recent maintenance issues, such as a water leak that damaged ancient books. Staff unions say these problems have highlighted deeper management and safety gaps. Unions have said museum employees are overworked and poorly managed. They are demanding additional hiring, higher wages and changes in how funds are allocated within the institution. Louvre director Laurence des Cars, who has come under criticism after the October theft in which crown jewels worth 88 million euros were stolen, is scheduled to appear before the French Senate later on Wednesday to respond to questions. The Louvre is normally closed to visitors on Tuesdays.(With inputs from Reuters)