PARIS (AP)

— A strike erupted Thursday at the Hôtel du Collectionneur in Paris, where members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are staying, just one day before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. The CGT union reported that the IOC paid 22 million euros for exclusive use of the hotel, prompting staff to demand better wages and working conditions. Employees protested with signs highlighting their grievances, including the absence of a “13th month” bonus and stagnant wages over the past seven years. The strike follows unsuccessful negotiations between hotel management and the union, which emphasized the disparity between the hotel’s financial success—evidenced by a 9.5 million euro dividend to shareholders—and the lack of improvements for staff. Hotel management stated that negotiations are ongoing and that operations would continue without disruption, despite the strike. In a related protest, approximately 200 performers demonstrated along the Seine River, refusing to participate in a rehearsal for the opening ceremony. They voiced concerns over working conditions and the treatment of entertainment workers at the Games. These protests reflect broader tensions in France, particularly following recent legislative elections that have led to calls for strikes and mass demonstrations. Sophie Binet, the CGT's general secretary, has urged for pressure on President Emmanuel Macron to respect election results and allow a left-wing coalition to form a government. While she indicated that strikes during the Olympics are not currently planned, she warned that further unrest could arise if the government does not address the workers' concerns.