Strike shuts Eiffel Tower for second day

The Eiffel Tower was closed for asecond day on Wednesday as a strike over working conditions leftfrustrated tourists queuing in vain at the foot of the Parislandmark.

Thousands of would-be visitors hoping for birds-eye views ofthe city from the 324-metre-high (1,062 feet) iron tower havebeen grounded since Tuesday morning as staff walked out overlate-running maintenance work and pay disputes.

Officials said talks with unions were under way and theyhoped the monument would reopen soon, possibly later in the day.

"It's very annoying," said Nicole, an Australian tourist inParis for just one day. "There'll be long lines. A lot to do inone day and now we're waiting in the queue."

Many could hardly believe the world-famous monument, whichis usually open seven days a week all year-round, was closed.

"I thought it impossible," said Alex Hokkanen, a touristfrom Minnesota in the United States. "So many people come hereeach day and want to see this. I thought for sure it would beoperating."

Built in 1889 and one of the world's most recognisablemonuments, the Eiffel Tower sees some seven million visitorseach year and up to 30,000 a day in the peak summer season.