Paris: The Louvre Museum will remain closed on Wednesday after staff voted to continue a strike that began earlier this week, unions have announced, citing deteriorating working conditions and insufficient resources following a high-profile burglary nearly two months ago.

According to Anadolu Agency, in a general assembly meeting, employees decided to prolong the walkout, as reported by the CGT and CFDT unions to BFM TV. The strike was initiated on Monday after approximately 400 staff members unanimously voted to protest chronic understaffing, the deterioration of the historic building, and budgetary pressures. The museum, the world's most visited, was already closed on Monday due to the strike and remained closed on Tuesday, its regular weekly closing day.

Union representatives noted that staff frustration has been further fueled by a series of incidents since the October 19 burglary, including the temporary closure of a gallery and damage to old books caused by a water leak. Following a crisis meeting with unions at the Ministry of Culture, the government proposed several measures, including cancelling a planned £5.7 million ($6.6 million) funding cut for 2026, initiating new recruitment for visitor reception and monitoring roles, and increasing compensation. However, unions are advocating for the pay rise to be made permanent.

The labor dispute has brought renewed scrutiny to the museum's security management. Louvre President Laurence des Cars is expected to face further questioning by the Senate's Culture Committee later on Wednesday as lawmakers seek clarity on security failures highlighted by the burglary. Des Cars has previously acknowledged a 'failure' in security before the Senate but mentioned that steps had been taken to expedite a long-delayed security master plan.