• Staff at the Louvre unanimously voted to extend their strike over pay and working conditions.
• The museum has faced criticism following a jewel heist and deteriorating infrastructure.
• Government proposals to address concerns include increased hiring and canceling budget cuts.
• Director Laurence des Cars is being scrutinized for security lapses and management decisions.
• The museum remained closed on its regular off-day and now indefinitely due to the strike.

Staff at the Louvre Museum in Paris voted unanimously to extend their strike over concerns regarding pay and working conditions, leading to the museum remaining closed indefinitely. This decision arose during a general assembly on December 17, after the strike began earlier in the week, highlighting frustrations over chronic understaffing and management issues, particularly following a brazen crown jewels heist in October, according to Reuters and Le Monde.

Issues have compounded since the theft, including recent incidents like a water leak damaging ancient books and a subsequent temporary gallery closure, revealing glaring security lapses and the museum's deteriorating state. Some 400 staff members took part in the vote, calling for increased hiring and permanent wage increases, according to AA and Reuters.

In response to the growing unrest, the Culture Ministry held crisis talks with unions and proposed measures that include canceling planned budget cuts and increasing recruitment for security and visitor services roles. However, unions argue that the suggested measures fail to sufficiently address staff concerns, according to Le Monde and AA.

Louvre director Laurence des Cars is facing increasing scrutiny and will appear before the Senate's Culture Committee to address ongoing security failings at the museum. She previously acknowledged an institutional failure regarding security measures following the heist, with calls for a comprehensive review of management practices, according to Reuters and Le Monde.