Paris workers disrupt Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree-lighting ceremony

Protesters demanding higher wages disrupted a Christmas tree lighting ceremony under the historic dome at Galeries Lafayette in Paris on Wednesday (16 November).

"Not happy! "Not happy!" protesters shouted, waving union flags, and tossing horns at Alexandre Liot, the store director.

Boulevard Haussmann is a popular shopping destination for Americans and Chinese tourists to Paris. The annual Christmas lighting ceremony at Boulevard Haussmann has been presided over in the past by stars such as actress Jessica Chastain or singer Beth Ditto.

Marc Correas, a woman's shoe salesman, claimed that workers are protesting for higher wages.

Correas stated that it was not permissible to earn €1,200 per month in 2022.

Galeries Lafayette spokesperson said that they were sorry for the incident and that the protesting unions didn't reflect the company's "quality of its social dialogue".

European retailers are preparing for shoppers to reduce spending this holiday season. However, the cost of doing business is not decreasing, and profit margins are shrinking.

European retailers are trying to balance this year's Christmas displays with their cash-strapped customers.

Share this article: